Light waves and their properties

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Light intensity and brightness are directly related to the amplitude of light waves, with brightness being proportional to the square of the amplitude. Wavelength also plays a role in influencing brightness. The energy of individual photons is linked to their frequency, not amplitude, which explains why amplitude does not change with energy transfer. Polarizers work by aligning molecules in a way that allows only light waves oscillating in a specific direction to pass through. This arrangement can vary, but typically, the slits between the molecules are aligned parallel to the electric field of the light being polarized.
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Does light intensity and brightness depend on amplitude?
 
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Yes, brightness of light and its intensity depend on light wave amplitude, or the height of light waves. Brightness is also somewhat influenced by wavelength.
 
Ryan McCarty said:
Yes, brightness of light and its intensity depend on light wave amplitude, or the height of light waves. Brightness is also somewhat influenced by wavelength.

Thanks! Is there any detailed explanation on that? Thanks in advance!
 
Light waves (in general)

1-How does the amplitude affects the brightness and intensity of light waves?

2-And why energy affects the frequency of light waves rather than their amplitude; why doesn't the amplitude increase or decrease when extra or less energy is transferred by the wave instead of the frequency?

Thanks in advance!
 
1 - Brightness or Intensity are proportional to the square of Amplitude.
2 - You're confusing the energy of individual photons (which is proportional to the frequency) with the total energy of the wave (which is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the wave)
 
How do polarizers polarize light? Are the molecules arranged in a shape the the slits between them are parallel or perpendicular to the electric field of light? If they're perpendicularly arranged, how would light be polarized?
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1393673276.910449.jpg
 
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