Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the direction of displacement and the direction of propagation in a transverse wave?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the direction of displacement and the direction of propagation in a transverse wave?
- The displacement is at a 45-degree angle to the direction of propagation.
- The displacement is sometimes parallel and sometimes perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
- The displacement is parallel to the direction of propagation.
- The displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. (correct)
What happens to the intensity of unpolarized light after it passes through one ideal polaroid?
What happens to the intensity of unpolarized light after it passes through one ideal polaroid?
- The intensity remains unchanged.
- The intensity is doubled.
- The intensity is reduced to one quarter of its initial value.
- The intensity is halved. (correct)
In the context of polaroids, what does 'pass-axis' refer to?
In the context of polaroids, what does 'pass-axis' refer to?
- The direction in which the light is completely absorbed by the polaroid.
- The direction parallel to the propagation of light through the polaroid.
- The direction perpendicular to the long-chain molecules in a polaroid, which transmits light. (correct)
- The direction along which the long-chain molecules in the polaroid are aligned.
If incident light on a polaroid is linearly polarized with an electric field $E$. The molecules in the polaroid are aligned for the light with $E$ to pass through, then what would happen when the polaroid is rotated by $90$ degrees.
If incident light on a polaroid is linearly polarized with an electric field $E$. The molecules in the polaroid are aligned for the light with $E$ to pass through, then what would happen when the polaroid is rotated by $90$ degrees.
What is the key distinction between a linearly polarized wave and an unpolarized wave, based on the information given?
What is the key distinction between a linearly polarized wave and an unpolarized wave, based on the information given?
Flashcards
Transverse Wave
Transverse Wave
A wave where the direction of displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
Linearly Polarized Wave
Linearly Polarized Wave
A transverse wave where the displacement always occurs in a single plane.
Unpolarized Wave
Unpolarized Wave
A wave where the plane of vibration changes randomly in short time intervals.
Polaroid
Polaroid
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Pass-Axis
Pass-Axis
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Study Notes
Wave Properties
- Wavelength (λ) is related to wave number (k) by the equation λ = 2π/k
- Waves are transverse if the displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation
- Linearly polarised waves vibrate in a single plane, while unpolarised waves vibrate in multiple planes
- Light waves are transverse, with the electric field oscillating perpendicular to the direction of propagation
- Polaroids are materials with aligned molecules that absorb light waves whose electric field oscillates along the molecules' alignment direction; this direction is the pass-axis
Polarization of Light
- Unpolarized light has vibrations in random directions
- A polaroid sheet transmits light with vibrations parallel to its pass axis, reducing intensity by half
- Placing a second polaroid, with its pass-axis rotated, can significantly alter the transmitted intensity
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental properties of waves and the polarization of light. This quiz explores concepts like wavelength, wave types, and the effects of polaroids on light transmission. Perfect for students studying physics or light wave behaviors.
