What is meant by polarisation of light?
- Leaving Cert Physics - Question (d) - 2019
Question (d)
What is meant by polarisation of light?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is meant by polarisation of light?
- Leaving Cert Physics - Question (d) - 2019
Step 1
Definition of Polarisation
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Answer
Polarisation of light refers to the phenomenon where light waves oscillate in a particular direction or plane. Unlike unpolarised light, which consists of waves vibrating in multiple planes, polarised light is restricted to oscillate in a single plane.
Step 2
Characteristics of Polarised Light
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Answer
In polarised light, the electric field vector of the light waves vibrates in one plane. This restricts the orientation of the light waves, which can enhance visibility and contrast in certain applications. Polarisation can occur naturally, such as when sunlight reflects off surfaces, or artificially through filters.
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