[Virginia Tech Department of Physics]

Lecture Demonstrations

Light
   

L50: Polarization

 

Purpose: To demonstrate the various ways in which light can be polarized.

Description:

 

  1. Polarization by absorption: Shine the light beam through the two sheets of polaroid. The white plastic sheet should be on the second polaroid and facing the class to facilitate viewing from throughout the room. Rotate one of the polaroids to show the effect on transmission. Show that the same effect occurs from polarizing sunglasses.
  2. Polarizaiton by reflection: Aim the light beam to reflect from the glass plate at an angle near Brewster's angle. The light should reflect onto a wall. Using a sheet of polaroid, show the direction of polarization.
  3. Polarization by double refraction: Return to the arrangement in part (1). Place the odd-shaped objects just in front of the analyzer (second polaroid) and show the effect of subjecting the object to stress. Rotate the analyzer, and/or object. Do the same for the pieces of tape and other assorted goodies available for this purpose.
  4. Polarization by scattering: See Demonstration L60.
Equipment List: Storage Location: CHEMP 130A

 

Collimated light source, two large sheets of polaroid, one with a white plastic sheet on one side, polarizing sunglasses, glass plate, miscellaneous objects made of transparent material. A2.4

References:

Manual: None   Setup Notes: L50 PIRA #:
Manufacturer(s): Other school's Demonstration web pages

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