Polarization: The critical angle for an air-glass interface is 29.6°. When a light ray in air is incident on the interface, the reflected ray is 100% polarized. What is the angle of refraction of that ray?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the reflected ray is 100% polarized, the angle of incidence is the Brewster's angle. Brewster's angle (θ_B) is related to the refractive index (n) by tan(θ_B) = n. The critical angle (θ_c) is given by sin(θ_c) = 1/n. Using these, we find θ_B = 60.4° (since θ_B + θ_r = 90° and θ_r = 29.6°). The angle of refraction (θ_r) is then 90° - θ_B = 26.3°.

Polarization: the Critical Angle for an Air-Glass Interface Is 29