a traditional explanation of light is a 2d wave with frequency measured peak to peak, amplitude trough to peak, direction in the viewing plane... my question is: when you rotate that plane around its axis, are there any measurable differences in that light or its effects?
2007-01-10 08:21:37 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Polarization. It is a property of transverse waves (which include light waves) describing the direction of the plane on which the electric field is oscillating
If you want more info goto http://www.uwgb.edu/DutchS/petrolgy/genlight.htm
2007-01-10 08:38:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Set a source of vertically polarized light in the middle of a football field. Wherever you stand on the field, all the light reaching you will have its electric field vertical and its magnetic field horizontal. Your measurements will show that, as will the behavior of a polarizing filter you carry with you.
If you are above the light, and any light reaches you, its polarization obviously won't be vertical. But it could be polarized in some direction. It's not the same wave you saw at ground level.
2007-01-10 10:34:38 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Polarization.
2007-01-10 09:51:27 · answer #3 · answered by Armin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm good question I would guess its the same as light would travel in the same dirtection towards your perception if you rotated the source. and photons are the light beams i believe
2007-01-10 08:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Polarisation.
Yes there are differences. Whether or not it will pass through polaroid glass being the most obvious.
2007-01-10 08:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by Chris H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋