Why Does Adding a Third Polarizing Filter Let Light Pass Through?

  • Thread starter Thread starter James Jackson
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The discussion revolves around intriguing physics phenomena, particularly the behavior of light through polarizing filters. When two polarizing filters are placed at 90 degrees to each other, no light passes through, but adding a third filter at 45 degrees allows light to emerge, prompting curiosity about the underlying physics. Participants share personal "wow" moments in physics, including unexpected observations like helium balloons moving forward during train acceleration and anomalies in photoemission experiments that defy traditional models. The conversation highlights the fascination with complex concepts made simple, such as the implications of Maxwell's equations and the nature of light as both a wave and a particle. Overall, the thread emphasizes the joy of discovering surprising and counterintuitive aspects of physics.
  • #31
James Jackson said:
ZapperZ - No no, you can put the 45 degree polarizer on top of the other two. Try it...
I agree with DarkEternal
I had to put the 45 in-between no matter how close.
Let us know what you see on a retest, JJ.

Although, I'd credit the standard test as Zz described it as worthy of a WOW considering it still works even if only one photon at a time is sent through. Classical can’t explain that; and QM only has formulas to predict it on average, but not explain the individual actions.
 
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  • #32
A first wow for me was the single slit diffraction pattern and how it was explained.
 

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