Question #145947
At what angle above the horizon is the sun if light from it is completely polarized upon reflection from water
1
Expert's answer
2020-11-24T05:52:54-0500


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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