Polarized Light: Understanding How Polarization Occurs

Thread starter phabos
Start date Jul 16, 2011
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Light

In summary, polarized light is a type of light in which the electromagnetic waves vibrate in a single direction, known as the polarization direction. This occurs when light is filtered, reflected, or scattered in a particular direction. Unpolarized light, on the other hand, has waves vibrating in all possible directions. Some practical applications of polarized light include photography, optics, and communication, and humans cannot perceive polarized light, but certain animals can use it for navigation and orientation.

Jul 16, 2011

phabos

how polaraization occurs?what is happening inside a polaraiser?

Science news on Phys.org

Jul 16, 2011

darkxponent

a polarizer allows electric field to ossilate in one direction only

Jul 17, 2011

Drakkith

Mentor

I recommend:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarization_(waves)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizer

1. What is polarized light?

Polarized light is a type of light in which the electromagnetic waves vibrate in a particular direction. This direction is known as the polarization direction.

2. How does polarization occur?

Polarization occurs when light waves are filtered, reflected, or scattered in a particular direction, causing the waves to vibrate in a single plane. This can happen through various means, such as passing through a polarizing filter or reflecting off a surface at a specific angle.

3. What is the difference between polarized and unpolarized light?

Unpolarized light is light in which the electromagnetic waves vibrate in all possible directions. In contrast, polarized light has its waves vibrating in a single plane, giving it a specific direction and orientation.

4. What are some practical applications of polarized light?

Polarized light has various applications in areas such as photography, optics, and communication. It is used in polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility, in 3D glasses for movies, and in liquid crystal displays (LCD) for electronic devices.

5. Can humans perceive polarized light?

No, humans cannot directly perceive polarized light with their eyes. However, some animals, such as bees and birds, can see polarized light and use it for navigation and orientation.