Polarized refers to the alignment of charges or waves in a specific orientation. In physics, it can describe electric fields within conductors or the orientation of light waves.
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In conductors, polarization occurs when an external electric field causes the redistribution of free electrons, creating regions of positive and negative charge.
Polarization in wave optics describes the orientation of oscillations in light waves, which can be linear, circular, or elliptical.
An object becomes polarized when its positive and negative charges are separated due to an external influence like an electric field.
Light can be polarized by reflection, refraction, or by passing through a polarizing filter that allows only waves with certain orientations to pass through.
The degree of polarization is a measure of how completely the light wave oscillations align in one direction.
Review Questions
What happens to free electrons in a conductor when it becomes polarized?
How can light become polarized through reflection?
Describe what is meant by linear polarization in wave optics.
Related terms
Electric Field: A region around a charged object where other charges experience a force.
Electrostatic Equilibrium: A state where no net motion of charge occurs within a conductor.
Dielectric: An insulating material that can be polarized by an electric field.