Light in air strikes a water surface at the polarizing angle. The part of the beam refracted into the water strikes a submerged slab of material with refractive index n = 1.64 as shown in the figure below. The light reflected from the upper surface of the slab is completely polarized. Find the angle 0 between the water surface and the surface of the slab. Air Water

icon
Related questions
Question
**Light at the Polarizing Angle Problem**

*Light in air strikes a water surface at the polarizing angle. The part of the beam refracted into the water strikes a submerged slab of material with a refractive index n = 1.64 as shown in the figure below. The light reflected from the upper surface of the slab is completely polarized. Find the angle θ between the water surface and the surface of the slab.*

Insert your answer: __________°


**Diagram Explanation**

In the provided diagram, the behavior of the light beam is outlined as follows:

1. **Air to Water Transition**:
   - A light beam is shown striking the surface of water from the air. This incidence occurs at the polarizing angle denoted as \( \theta_p \).
   - The path of the incident light beam is marked with a straight arrow pointing downward towards the water surface.
   - The light separates into two beams at the water surface: one reflecting back into the air, forming an angle \( \theta_p \) with the normal (perpendicular line to the water surface), and the other being refracted into the water.

2. **Water to Submerged Slab Transition**:
   - The refracted beam within the water strikes a submerged slab at an angle \( \theta \) with respect to the water surface.
   - The slab is depicted as placed at an angle below the water surface. Part of the slab within the water causes the light to reflect off its upper surface, thereby becoming completely polarized.

The objective is to determine the angle \( \theta \) between the water surface and the surface of the submerged slab.

Need Help? 
Read It 

[Visual elements are presented in an educational context to aid understanding of the problem scenario.]

**Educational Note**: When light strikes a surface at the polarizing angle, the reflected light is perfectly polarized. The polarizing angle (also known as Brewster's angle) for a medium can be calculated using the formula \( \theta_p = \arctan(n) \), where \( n \) is the refractive index of the medium.
Transcribed Image Text:**Light at the Polarizing Angle Problem** *Light in air strikes a water surface at the polarizing angle. The part of the beam refracted into the water strikes a submerged slab of material with a refractive index n = 1.64 as shown in the figure below. The light reflected from the upper surface of the slab is completely polarized. Find the angle θ between the water surface and the surface of the slab.* Insert your answer: __________° **Diagram Explanation** In the provided diagram, the behavior of the light beam is outlined as follows: 1. **Air to Water Transition**: - A light beam is shown striking the surface of water from the air. This incidence occurs at the polarizing angle denoted as \( \theta_p \). - The path of the incident light beam is marked with a straight arrow pointing downward towards the water surface. - The light separates into two beams at the water surface: one reflecting back into the air, forming an angle \( \theta_p \) with the normal (perpendicular line to the water surface), and the other being refracted into the water. 2. **Water to Submerged Slab Transition**: - The refracted beam within the water strikes a submerged slab at an angle \( \theta \) with respect to the water surface. - The slab is depicted as placed at an angle below the water surface. Part of the slab within the water causes the light to reflect off its upper surface, thereby becoming completely polarized. The objective is to determine the angle \( \theta \) between the water surface and the surface of the submerged slab. Need Help? Read It [Visual elements are presented in an educational context to aid understanding of the problem scenario.] **Educational Note**: When light strikes a surface at the polarizing angle, the reflected light is perfectly polarized. The polarizing angle (also known as Brewster's angle) for a medium can be calculated using the formula \( \theta_p = \arctan(n) \), where \( n \) is the refractive index of the medium.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer