Question

The characteristic property of liquid crystal materials that makes them suitable for display technologies is:

• A. High thermal conductivity
• B. Ability to polarize light
• C. Electrical conductivity
• D. Magnetic responsiveness

Hint:

LCD = Liquid Crystal Display. It works because liquid crystals twist light — that’s polarization in action!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Liquid crystals are substances that exhibit properties between those of conventional liquids and solid crystals. One of their key characteristics that makes them ideal for display technologies (like LCDs) is their ability to polarize light.
Why Polarization is Important:

• Liquid crystals can change the orientation of light passing through them when subjected to an electric field.
• This property allows them to control the passage of light through polarizing filters, which is fundamental in the working of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).
• By adjusting the molecular alignment, the crystals modulate the light's polarization, effectively turning pixels "on" or "off."

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• (A) High thermal conductivity: Not a defining property and not relevant to display functionality.
• (C) Electrical conductivity: Liquid crystals are generally insulating or weakly conductive.
• (D) Magnetic responsiveness: Not the property used in display applications — electric fields are primarily used.

Thus, their ability to polarize and modulate light is what makes liquid crystals so essential in display technologies.