What is the direction of energy transfer in polarised light?

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Normal polarized light has oscillations in one plane that align with the direction of energy transfer. In contrast, polarization by reflection results in oscillations that remain in one plane but are perpendicular to the energy transfer direction. Clarification is needed regarding the term "direction of energy transfer," particularly in the context of ray diagrams for reflection. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the behavior of polarized light. Overall, the concepts of energy transfer and oscillation planes in polarized light are essential for accurate comprehension.
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Homework Statement


Okay so this is a concept that I've been having a lot of problems with recently. I watched a few youtube vids to clear things up so now I'd like to make sure my notes are right.

1) For normal polarised light, the oscillations of a wave are in one plane only which include the direction of the energy transfer.

2) Whereas for polarisation by reflection, the oscillations are also in one plane but they are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Are these two statements correct?
 
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ravsterphysics said:

Homework Statement


Okay so this is a concept that I've been having a lot of problems with recently. I watched a few youtube vids to clear things up so now I'd like to make sure my notes are right.

1) For normal polarised light, the oscillations of a wave are in one plane only which include the direction of the energy transfer.

2) Whereas for polarisation by reflection, the oscillations are also in one plane but they are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Are these two statements correct?
In both cases I think you are referring to a ray diagram for reflection from a mirror. Case 1 is polarised in the plane of the paper and case 2 at right angles to the plane of the paper ie sticking up. So I think you need to clarify what you mean by "direction of energy transfer".
 
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