When light is totally polarized by reflection at an interface between two materials where the index of refraction for the incident medium is n₁ and for the other is n₂, the incident angle is given by θ = tan^-1(n₂/n₁). This equation holds A) only when n₂ n₁. B) only when n₁ n₂. C) only when n₂ n₁ + 1. D) only when n₂

Question

When light is totally polarized by reflection at an interface between two materials where the index of refraction for the incident medium is n₁ and for the other is n₂, the incident angle is given by θ = tan^-1(n₂/n₁). This equation holds A) only when n₂ > n₁. B) only when n₁ > n₂. C) only when n₂ > n₁ + 1. D) only when n₂ < n₁ + 1. E) for all values of n₁ and n₂.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equation θ = tan^-1(n₂/n₁) is the Brewster's angle formula and it holds for any values of n₁ and n₂, regardless of their relative magnitudes.

When Light Is Totally Polarized by Reflection at an Interface