Polarization of Light (TBR PII Chap 10 Q50)

[cartman1980]

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Question states how to distinguish mirage (refracted light) from regular. Answer is: pass through a polarizer. If the intensity of light changes, then its refracted. If not, then its original/regular.

By that logic shouldn't any of the sunglasses on the market be ineffective in blocking/reflecting light rays we don't? (Had a long day, so guess i am looking for logic behind how / why only refracted light rays change in intensity when passing through a polarizer)

 

[loveoforganic]

I'm rusty on optics, but I believe that

a) non-refracted light will always be reduced in intensity by a polarizer. Rotation of the polarizer will not change the degree to which the intensity is reduced

b) Refracted light, when passed through a polarizer, will be reduced in intensity anywhere from 0-100%, depending upon the alignment of the polarizer and the refracted light.

The way to determine whether the light is refracted or not would be to look through and turn the polarizer, looking for a change in intensity

 

[cycloethane]

can anyone else comment on this 🙂 ? Any experts on this topic.

 

[cycloethane]

Oh, I got it: the frog is right. Visible light is polarized in all directions with no preferred orientation of light. So, when you look at it through the polarizer, no matter what angle you pick, the intensity will be reduced by x%. However, if you take a reflected light which has been polarized, you can position the polarizer so that very little light comes in or almost all light does.