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Home Interactives Light Waves and Colors Polarization by Reflection Notes

Polarization by Reflection Notes

Notes:

The Polarization by Reflection Interactive is an adjustable-size file that displays nicely on smart phones, on tablets such as the iPad, on Chromebooks, and on laptops and desktops. The size of the Interactive can be scaled to fit the device that it is displayed on. The compatibility with smart phones, iPads, other tablets, and Chromebooks make it a perfect tool for use in a 1:1 classroom.

Teaching Ideas and Suggestions:

The Polarization by Reflection is a quick simulation to explore the effect of a Polaroid filter upon a photographic scene. A Polaroid is laid on top of the scene. By rotating the filter, you can view how it eliminates the glare created by reflection of light off the water surface. Light lines on the filter depict the alignment of molecules within the filter.

The simulation would make for a great in-class demonstration or a student activity. We recommend posing two questions:
  1. What affect does a Polaroid filter have upon the photographic scene and what parts of the scene are affected?
  2. What alignment of molecules are capable of eliminating the glare off the water?
The link at the top right of the simulation leads off to our Tutorial page on the topic.

Related Resources:

There are several resources at The Physics Classroom website that serve as very complementary supports for the Ripple Tank Interactive. These include:
  • Reading:
    Lesson 1 of the Light and Color Chapter of the Tutorial are perfect accompaniments to this Interactive. The following pages will be particularly useful to an understanding of polaroid filters and polarization:

    Polarization




     
  • Physics Video Tutorial:
    We have developed a rather thorough collection of video tutorials on physics topics. Our Light Waves section consists of 13 videos. The following video is relevant to the topic of this simulation:

    Polarization of Light

    Visit the Physics Video Tutorial
     

Visit: Polarization by Reflection Interactive