How Does Light Become Polarized by Reflection?

[Fadi A.Saif]

Hello every body;
I am having a problem understanding how light is polarized by reflection, what happens during the process, and why is it polarized at a particular angle "Angle of Polarization". Can you please help me with this problem? I'll be thankful.

 

[sokrates]

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=175337

 

[Entropia]

Hello there,

Polarization by reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when light is reflected off of a surface at a certain angle, causing the reflected light to become polarized. This means that the light waves are all oscillating in the same plane, rather than in all directions.

To understand this process, we must first understand the nature of light. Light is an electromagnetic wave, meaning it has both an electric and magnetic component. When light hits a surface, the electric and magnetic fields interact with the particles in the surface, causing the light to be scattered in all directions. However, if the surface is at a specific angle, known as the angle of incidence, the electric and magnetic fields will interact in a way that causes the light to be reflected in a single plane, creating polarization.

The angle of polarization is determined by the angle of incidence and the properties of the surface, such as its material and texture. This angle is important because it determines the direction in which the light will be polarized. For example, if the angle of incidence is 45 degrees, the reflected light will be polarized at a 90 degree angle from the incident light.

Polarization by reflection is important in many scientific and technological applications, such as in polarized sunglasses and LCD screens. It also plays a role in the colors we see in nature, as certain surfaces and materials can cause light to be polarized in different ways.

I hope this helps to clarify the concept of polarization by reflection. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Happy learning!