Question

What is plane polarized light? How is polarized light obtained by refraction? State the uses of polaroid.

Hint:

Polarization can occur by reflection, refraction, or scattering. Brewster's angle is key for obtaining plane polarized light.

Answer 1

Plane polarized light consists of waves oscillating in a single plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Obtaining polarized light by refraction:

When unpolarized light is incident at Brewster's angle on a transparent medium, the reflected light becomes plane polarized.

Uses of polaroid:

• Reducing glare in sunglasses and cameras.
• Enhancing contrast in liquid crystal displays (LCDs).