Chapter 13: Polarization

13.1 Phenomenon of Polarization

• Definition: Polarization is the process in which light waves vibrate in a particular direction instead of all directions.
• Only transverse waves (like light) can be polarized.
• Methods of polarization:
  1. Reflection (off glass/water surface)
  2. Refraction (Brewster’s angle)
  3. Polaroid sheets (absorption)

Example: Sunglasses use polarizing filters to block glare from reflected sunlight.

13.2 Brewster’s Law; Transverse Nature of Light

13.3 Polaroid

• Polaroid: A material or sheet that absorbs light vibrating in one direction and transmits light vibrating perpendicular to it.
• Used in:
  • Sunglasses
  • Photography
  • LCD screens
• Unpolarized light → Polaroid → linearly polarized light

Important Short Questions and Answers in Short

Q1. Define polarization.
👉 Restriction of light vibrations to a particular direction.

Q2. Can longitudinal waves be polarized?
👉 No, only transverse waves can be polarized.

Q3. What is a Polaroid?
👉 A sheet that transmits light vibrating in one direction and absorbs the perpendicular component.

Q4. Applications of Polaroid?
👉 Sunglasses, photography, LCD screens.

✅ Formula Sheet (Quick Revision)

Numerical Examples