Question #145947

At what angle above the horizon is the sun if light from it is completely polarized upon reflection from water

Expert's answer


In order to be completely polarized, the incident angle (the angle with perpendicular to the surface) should be equal to Brewster's angle:


θB=arctan⁡(n2n1)\theta_B = \arctan\left( \dfrac{n_2}{n_1}\right)

where n2=1.33n_2 = 1.33 is the refractive index of water and n1=1n_1 = 1 is the refractive index of air.

Thus, obtain:


θB=arctan⁡(1.331)≈53.1°\theta_B = \arctan\left( \dfrac{1.33}{1}\right) \approx 53.1\degree

The angle abov the horizon is then:


α=90°−θB=36.9°\alpha = 90\degree - \theta_B = 36.9\degree

Answer. 36.9°36.9\degree.


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