key term - Vertically polarized

Definition

Vertically polarized light has its electric field oscillating in the vertical direction. This type of polarization is one of the simplest forms to analyze due to its well-defined orientation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vertically polarized light can be produced using a polarizing filter that only allows light waves with vertical electric fields to pass through.
2. The intensity of vertically polarized light passing through another polarizer depends on the angle between their polarization axes, as described by Malus's Law: $I = I_0 \cos^2(\theta)$.
3. When vertically polarized light is reflected off a surface at Brewster's angle, it can become horizontally polarized.
4. Vertically polarized light does not interact with horizontal polarizers and will be completely blocked by them.
5. Polarization can occur during reflection, refraction, or scattering processes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Polarization:

A property of waves that describes the orientation of their oscillations. In optics, it refers specifically to the orientation of the electric field vector.

Malus's Law:

$I = I_0 \cos^2(\theta)$, which describes how the intensity of polarized light changes as it passes through a second polarizing filter at an angle $\theta$ relative to the first.

Brewster's Angle:

The specific angle at which reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular, leading to complete polarization of reflected light parallel to the surface.