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 $\theta$ = 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 $\theta$ = 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

This equation, known as Brewster's Law, holds for any values of n₁ and n₂ as long as they are positive and represent physical refractive indices.

When Light Is Totally Polarized by Reflection at an Interface θ\thetaθ

When Light Is Totally Polarized by Reflection at an Interface $\theta$