CBSE Class 12 · 2019 · Wave OpticsVery Short Answer

Distinguish between unpolarized and linearly polarized light.

Solution

Unpolarized light:

the electric field oscillates in every direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation, with no preferred direction, and its intensity is unchanged when viewed through a rotating polaroid.

Linearly (plane) polarized light:

the electric field oscillates along one fixed direction perpendicular to propagation; when viewed through a rotating polaroid its intensity varies, becoming zero twice in each rotation.

CBSE Class 12 Board · 2019 · Subjective

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