Physics Question (Geometric Optics)

[MisterPants]

How do you determine the absolute direction of polarization of light, given a piece of polaroid and a transparent surface like water?

Would the direction of polarization be the orientation of the polaroid that lets through the most light? Is the surface necessary only so you can observe some polarization?

 

[Hartford]

first off, grab a cadbury egg(preferably the creme one) and begin to enjoy it. next, grab another cadbury egg, and go from there. you will figure it out in time

 

[TuxDave]

The direction of polarization will be the direction that allows the most amount of light through your polaroid (or whatever that thing is called). The transparant object will give you a source of polarized light. Light that reflects off transparant objects (when you're below the critical angle) will be polarized parallel to the surface. Everything else will be sent into the surface. That's the only reason I can see for having that surface.

 

[quincy2002]

TuxDave, your answer is pretty good but I like the cadbury egg thing better.

 

Originally posted by: quincy2002
TuxDave, your answer is pretty good but I like the cadbury egg thing better.

true, true.