- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
M7-03. Polaroids And Gooseneck Lamp
Purpose
To demonstrate polarization of light.
Equipment
Goose neck lamp, large round polaroids on base, extra square polaroid.
Images
Description
The first polaroid polarizes the light. Rotating the front polaroid causes the light to become alternately brighter (polaroids aligned) and dimmer (polaroids crossed). Insert a third polaroid between the two crossed polaroids at a 45 degree angle to show that the electric field is a vector, and to demonstrate a component of a component. Argue with your students about what happens in this experiment when the light passes one photon at a time.
References
Hollis N. Todd, Polarization of Light - Basic Theory and Experiment, Bausch & Lomb Inc. (1970). H. Richard Crane, How Things Work: How Does the Honeybee Sense Polarization?, TPT 27, 504-505 (1989).
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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-
See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization