Chapter 27, Problem 20A

What is the difference between light that is polarized and light that is not?

To determine

The difference between the polarized light and unpolarized light.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The Polarized light, in which the vibrations occur in a single plane. Polarization is caused due to the electromagnetic radiation. A light wave that is vibrating in more than one plane is referred to as unpolarized light.

Polarized light	Unpolarized light
1. Electric field oscillates in one direction.	1. Electric field oscillates in all directions.
2. In nature the polarized light is coherent.	2. In nature it is incoherent.
3.The intensity of polarized light depends on the nature of light used.	3. The intensity of unpolarized light depends on the nature of source.

Conclusion:

A light wave that vibrates in more than one plane is referred to as unpolarized light. And the Polarized light is the light in which the vibrations occur in a single plane.