Huygens described light as a wave

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around Huygens' wave theory of light and its explanation of phenomena such as dispersion and the behavior of light when passing through a prism. Additionally, the conversation touches on Maxwell's equations and the properties of electromagnetic waves, particularly in relation to polaroid sunglasses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants inquire about how Huygens' wave theory accounts for dispersion and the splitting of white light into colors when passing through a prism. Questions are also raised regarding the features of electromagnetic waves that polaroid sunglasses utilize, with some participants mentioning polarization.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking further clarification and deeper explanations. Some have suggested researching polarization independently, while others are waiting for more knowledgeable contributors to provide insights.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a lack of consensus on the explanations provided, and some participants express uncertainty about the topics discussed, indicating a need for more detailed information.

pinkyjoshi65
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Ok, so Huygens described light as a wave. So my question is how does his wave theory explain the phenonmenon of dispersion? What happens when a wave of light hits a prism? How does while light split into the different colours os a rainbow?

Also another question I have is about Maxwell's discription of light. The maxwell equations comprised of 4 imporant points:1) number of field lines is proportional to the charge,2) number of field lines leaving an about is 0,3) changing a charge induces a new magnetic field and 4) changing a magnetic field induces a new charge.

my question is what feature of electromagnetic waves do polaroid sunglasses take advantage of? I mean how do polaroid lenses work in terms of electromagnetic waves?
 
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pinkyjoshi65 said:
Ok, so Huygens described light as a wave. So my question is how does his wave theory explain the phenonmenon of dispersion? What happens when a wave of light hits a prism? How does while light split into the different colours os a rainbow?

Also another question I have is about Maxwell's discription of light. The maxwell equations comprised of 4 imporant points:1) number of field lines is proportional to the charge,2) number of field lines leaving an about is 0,3) changing a charge induces a new magnetic field and 4) changing a magnetic field induces a new charge.

my question is what feature of electromagnetic waves do polaroid sunglasses take advantage of? I mean how do polaroid lenses work in terms of electromagnetic waves?

They take advantage of the polarization of the EM wave.
 
umm..more explanation please..
 
hello?
 
Sorry, I'm not the expert here. I was hoping maybe that you just missed the fact that light does have a polarizing property (its wave is oriented along a particular axis). For a more in-depth explanation, you'll have to wait for the heavy-lifters around here to weigh in.
 
umm k thnkz anyway..Anyone else know the answer?
 
Have you tried to research this on your own yet? Look up polarization on your own to see if you can get the answer.
 
I did search on the net. Didn't use the word "polarization". Will try that. what about the 1st part of the question?
 
hellllooooooo
 

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