Direction of polarization

Definition

Direction of polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field vector in an electromagnetic wave. It describes how the electric field oscillates as the wave propagates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The direction of polarization is usually specified relative to a reference axis, often horizontal or vertical.
2. Polarized light can be produced by various methods such as reflection, refraction, and passing through a polarizing filter.
3. In linearly polarized light, the electric field oscillates in one plane only.
4. Circular and elliptical polarization involve electric fields that rotate as they propagate, making their direction of polarization change continuously.
5. Malus's Law quantifies the intensity of polarized light passing through a polarizer based on the angle between its direction of polarization and the transmission axis of the polarizer.

Review Questions

• What does the direction of polarization describe in an electromagnetic wave?
• How can polarized light be produced?
• What is Malus's Law and what does it quantify?

Related terms

Polarization: The process or phenomenon in which waves, such as light or radio waves, have their vibrations restricted to particular directions.

Malus's Law: $$I = I_0 \cos^2(\theta)$$, where $I$ is the transmitted intensity, $I_0$ is the initial intensity, and $\theta$ is the angle between the light's initial direction of polarization and the axis of the polarizer.

Linearly Polarized Light: Light with an electric field that oscillates in a single plane along its direction of propagation.