Answer to Question #164102 in Optics for Theodore

Question

When unpolarized light falls on the surface of a block of glass, the reflected light is partially

   polarized. If the angle of incidence is tan-1n, where n is the refractive index of the glass, the

   reflected light is completely linearly polarized. Describe the apparatus you would use and the

   experiments you would perform in order to verify these statements for a sample of glass of known

   refractive index.

   Why will it be necessary, if very accurate results were required to use monochromatic light to verify

   the second statement?

Answer 1

Aim :

To determine the of Brewster’s angle for glass using a polarized monochromatic light source.

Apparatus Required:

He laser, dial fitted polarizer, photo detector, micro ammeter, rotational mount, glass plate, constant

power supply

Formula Used :

Brewsters angle for a given pair of medium is

$\theta_B=\theta_i=tan^{-1}(\dfrac{n_2}{n_1})$

Where $n_1 \text{ and }n_2$ are refractive index of medium 1 and 2 respectively 

"Every color produces its own pattern, with a spacing between the maxima that is characteristic of the wavelength. With several colors, the patterns are superimposed and it can be difficult to pick out a single maximum. Using monochromatic light can eliminate this problem."