Understanding Polarization of Linearly Polarized Light: Explained by Experts

In summary: The electric field is pointing in the x-direction and the magnetic field is pointing in the y-direction. So the wave is traveling in the x-direction and is polarized with an angle in the x-y plane measure from the x-axis.
  • #1
vs5813
9
0

Homework Statement


QUESTION: Consider linearly polarized light of the form:

E=|E|cos(kx-wt)(ì+j)

where i and j are the standard unit vectors. What is direction of polarization of this lightwave?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



this is the first time i tackle a problem like this:bugeye: and I'm not sure where to start..i can see the wave is traveling in the positive x-direction, and I'm guessing the i and j indicate polarization...but I am not sure how :confused:
any explanations would be grrrreatly appreciated..thankyou!
 
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  • #2
I think the unit vectors are orthogonal to the x axis, and the light is propagating down the x-axis, correct?

So the sum i + j is a (non-unit) vector pointing in what direction?
 
  • #3
Hello.

The direction of polarization is given by the direction of the electric field. So, I guess your wave is polarized with an angle << answer deleted by berkeman >> in the (x,y)-plane measure from the x axis.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Dox said:
Hello.

The direction of polarization is given by the direction of the electric field. So, I guess your wave is polarized with an angle << answer deleted by berkeman >> in the (x,y)-plane measure from the x axis.

Hi Dox,

Please do not post solutions to homework and coursework questions. That is specifically agains the PF guidelines. We appreciate your help very much in the Homework Help forums, but please focus on tutorial help, not providing the answers. Ask questions of the original poster (OP) to help them figure out the problem on their own.

Can you think of a good question to ask the OP to prod them along? I gave some hints in my post as well.
 
  • #5
Oh! I'm so sorry. It won't happen again.
 
  • #6
ooh

oh, i see..so in this case I could say it is traveling in the x direction, polarized to 45 degrees in the x-y plane :cool:
thankyou for the help!
 
  • #7
vs5813 said:
oh, i see..so in this case I could say it is traveling in the x direction, polarized to 45 degrees in the x-y plane :cool:
thankyou for the help!

Hello again.

Please, be care... What is traveling in the x direction? The electromgnetic wave?

Cheers.
 
  • #8
hmm..i would say..the direction of motion (propagation) of the light wave is the x-direction, while its polarization is at an angle..would that be correct? :rolleyes:
 
  • #9
Not quiet... Think a little mor about it.

Try to imagine both the electric and the magnetic fields and the propagation of motion.(Hint: Pointing vector)
 

FAQ: Understanding Polarization of Linearly Polarized Light: Explained by Experts

What is polarization of light?

Polarization of light is a phenomenon in which the oscillation direction of light waves is restricted to only one plane. This means that the electric field of the light waves only oscillates in one direction rather than in all directions. This polarization is achieved by passing unpolarized light through a polarizing filter.

What is linearly polarized light?

Linearly polarized light is a type of polarized light in which the electric field oscillates in a single plane. This means that the light waves are all oriented in the same direction, resulting in a specific polarization direction. This is commonly achieved by passing unpolarized light through a polarizing filter that only allows light waves with a particular orientation to pass through.

How is polarization of light measured?

The polarization of light can be measured using a polarimeter, which is an instrument that measures the amount and orientation of polarization in light. This is usually done by passing the light through different polarizing filters and measuring the intensity of the light that passes through. The angle at which the filters are placed can also be adjusted to determine the orientation of the polarization.

What is the importance of understanding polarization of light?

Understanding polarization of light is important in many fields, including optics, physics, and astronomy. It allows scientists to manipulate the properties of light for various applications, such as creating polarized sunglasses, improving the resolution of optical instruments, and studying the behavior of light in different environments.

How does polarization of light affect its properties?

The polarization of light can affect its properties in several ways. For example, polarized light can have different intensities depending on the orientation of the polarizing filter, and it can also interfere with other polarized light waves. Additionally, the polarization of light can affect how it interacts with different materials and how it is reflected or transmitted through them. Understanding these effects is crucial for many technological applications and scientific research.

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