Polarization and Light Intensity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of light polarization and intensity, particularly in the context of refracted and reflected light. Participants are exploring the implications of Brewster's angle and the conditions under which light is polarized.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the application of the formula I=Icos^2theta in relation to polarization filters and expresses confusion regarding the role of Brewster's angle. Some participants question the significance of polarization when refracted light is absent and discuss the implications of total internal reflection.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the concepts, raising questions about the nature of light behavior under specific conditions. There is a recognition of the relationship between reflected and refracted light, with some guidance offered regarding the interpretation of zero refracted light.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the assumptions related to the absence of refracted light and how this affects the understanding of light polarization and reflection.

jisbon
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Homework Statement
A beam of unpolarized light is incident onto air from a glass with a refractive index of 1.52
Given incident light intensity has the power of 10mW, find minimum incident angle when the power of refracted light becomes zero?
Relevant Equations
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Looked upon this and can't seem to find anything.
The formula I=Icos^2theta seems to only work for polarization filters, which is not this case.
On the other hand, the brewster's angle only c.aclates the angle when the REFLECTED light is polarized, not the REFRACTED light.
Hence I am confused and will like to seek advice on this.

Cheers.
 
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Since it only asks about the case of zero refracted light, the polarization is barely significant. it is just removing a special case you might otherwise have had to consider.
If there is no refracted light, how would you describe where the light is going?
 
haruspex said:
Since it only asks about the case of zero refracted light, the polarization is barely significant. it is just removing a special case you might otherwise have had to consider.
If there is no refracted light, how would you describe where the light is going?

Oh when the question means the power of refracted light becomes zero, it means it is completely reflected? Which means total internal reflection?
 
jisbon said:
Oh when the question means the power of refracted light becomes zero, it means it is completely reflected? Which means total internal reflection?
That's how I read it.
 

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