Question

Explain the polarization of light.

Hint:

Only \textbf{transverse waves} (like light waves) can be polarized. \textbf{Longitudinal waves} (like sound waves) cannot be polarized.

Answer 1

Step 1: Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave, meaning its electric and magnetic field vectors oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Step 2: In unpolarized light, the electric field vectors vibrate randomly in all directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
Step 3: When unpolarized light undergoes reflection, refraction, or passes through certain materials such as polarizing filters or anisotropic crystals (e.g., calcite or tourmaline), only the components of the electric field vibrating in a specific direction are allowed to pass or are enhanced, resulting in polarized light.
Step 4: The direction of the electric field vector in polarized light is called the plane of vibration, while the plane perpendicular to this direction is called the plane of polarization. The latter is significant because many polarization phenomena, such as reflection and transmission, depend on the orientation of this plane.
Step 5: Polarization is important in various applications including glare reduction (polarized sunglasses), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and optical communication.