If the polarizing angle (the angle at which reflected light is completely plane polarized) of a flat piece of sapphire is 60.5°, what is its index of refraction?
A) 1.97
B) 1.77
C) 1.59
D) 2.36
E) 1.82

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The polarizing angle can be calculated using the formula: 
θpolarizer = arctan(n), where n is the index of refraction. 
Therefore, n = tan(θpolarizer) = tan(60.5°) = 1.77. 
So, the correct answer is B.

If the Polarizing Angle (The Angle at Which Reflected Light