Problem17
Section 27.8: Polarization (Test prep for AP® courses)

Question

Which of the following statements is true for the direction of polarization for a polarized light wave? (a) It is parallel to the direction of propagation and perpendicular to the direction of the electric field.
(b) It is perpendicular to the direction of propagation and parallel to the direction of the electric field.
(c) It is parallel to the directions of propagation and the electric field.
(d) It is perpendicular to the directions of propagation and the electric field.

Question by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Final Answer

(b)

Solution video

0:29
Watch this solution with a 7-day free trial
Full access to every solution — cancel anytime · Already a subscriber? Log in
Start free trial →
No ratings yet.
8 views

Video Transcript

This is College Physics Answers with Shaun Dychko. Polarization axis is along the direction of the electric field of the electromagnetic wave and an electric field is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Because electromagnetic waves are considered transverse waves and that the thing that’s oscillating in this case electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of propagation. So the answer is B.

Comments

No comments yet.