Principle
When light is reflected at the boundary surface of two
non-absorbing media (e.g., at an air-glass boundary), at a certain
angle of incidence α the reflected light is completely
plane-polarized. This angle is known as the polarization angle
(αp). The sum of αp and the complementary angle of refraction βp is
equal to 90 degree, i.e., if α=αp , the reflected and the
refracted ray are at right angles to one another (Brewster´s Law).
In the course of the experiment the students should verify this
law.
Benefits
- Multifunctional light box - All-in-one: Can be used for geometric optics on the table, colour mixing and on an optical bench
- Extension with others sets at anytime, no additional light sources needed, recognition value for students
Tasks
What correlation exists between the angle of incidence and the
angle of refraction when the reflected light is completely
polarized?
A parallel light beam falls aslant onto a transparent object
with a smooth surface. The angle of incidence at which the
reflected fraction of the light has undergone maximum polarization
is to be ascertained. This angle of incidence, known as
polarization angle (αp), and the corresponding refraction
angle βp are measured. Afterwards, it is to be investigated
which correlations between αp and βp exist.