Polarisation of Light


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Polarisation of Light

Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave. Unlike a water wave which can only move up an down, a light wave can vibrate in any direction that is perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of the wave. This means that the light has been polarised.

Polarising filters can be used to separate light waves according to their direction of vibration. For example, the vertical polariser absorbs most of the incident (unpolarised) beam and only transmits light waves that vibrate vertically. The light that passes through the filter is said to be "vertically polarised".

Polarising sunglasses contain polarising filters which absorb much of the incoming light energy, but allow enough light through for you to still see clearly.

 You can test your sunglasses to see if they are polarised by holding another pair of polarised sunglasses in front of them. Rotate your sunglasses . If they are polarised, no light will pass through when the two pairs are perpendicular.

Polarisation can be used to create 3D effects in movies.

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

Light is a transverse electromagnetic ___________________.

Right Option : B
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Explanation
Question : 2

____________________ of the following is not an application of polarization of light.

                  

Right Option : D
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Explanation
Question : 3

Polarization can be used to create ______________ effects in movies.

Right Option : C
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Explanation
 
 
 


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