Ordinary Light vs. Plane Polarized Light

Attribute	Ordinary Light	Plane Polarized Light
Definition	Light that vibrates in all directions perpendicular to its propagation.	Light that vibrates in a single plane perpendicular to its propagation.
Vibration Direction	Randomly oriented vibrations in all directions.	Vibrations occur in a single plane.
Propagation	Can propagate in any direction.	Can only propagate in a specific direction perpendicular to the plane of polarization.
Optical Activity	Does not exhibit optical activity.	Can exhibit optical activity when passing through certain substances.
Interference	Can undergo interference.	Cannot undergo interference.
Intensity	Intensity remains constant.	Intensity can be reduced due to polarization.
Applications	Used in general lighting, photography, and most everyday applications.	Used in LCD displays, 3D glasses, and various optical instruments.

Introduction

Light is a fascinating phenomenon that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It is composed of electromagnetic waves that can be described by various properties, including intensity, wavelength, and polarization. In this article, we will explore and compare two types of light: ordinary light and plane polarized light. While both types of light share similarities, they also possess distinct attributes that set them apart.

Ordinary Light

Ordinary light, also known as unpolarized light, is the type of light we encounter in our everyday lives. It is emitted by various sources such as the sun, light bulbs, and flames. Ordinary light consists of a mixture of electromagnetic waves vibrating in all possible directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

One of the key attributes of ordinary light is its random polarization. This means that the electric field vectors associated with the light waves are oriented in all possible directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation. As a result, ordinary light exhibits no preferred direction of oscillation.

Another important characteristic of ordinary light is its ability to be transmitted, reflected, and refracted in all directions. This is due to the random orientation of the electric field vectors. When ordinary light encounters a surface, it interacts with the atoms or molecules of the material, causing the light to scatter in various directions.

Furthermore, ordinary light can be separated into its constituent colors through a process called dispersion. This occurs when light passes through a prism or a diffraction grating, causing the different wavelengths of light to bend at different angles. As a result, we observe a spectrum of colors.

In summary, ordinary light is characterized by its random polarization, ability to propagate in all directions, and its ability to be separated into constituent colors through dispersion.

Plane Polarized Light

Plane polarized light, also known as linearly polarized light, is a type of light in which the electric field vectors oscillate in a single plane. Unlike ordinary light, plane polarized light has a preferred direction of oscillation.

One of the primary methods to obtain plane polarized light is through a process called polarization. This process involves filtering out all light waves except those oscillating in a specific direction. This can be achieved using various materials such as polaroid filters or by reflection from certain surfaces at specific angles.

Plane polarized light exhibits several unique properties. Firstly, it has a specific direction of oscillation, which allows it to be used in various applications such as 3D glasses, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and optical microscopy. The controlled direction of oscillation in plane polarized light enables the manipulation of light waves for specific purposes.

Additionally, plane polarized light can undergo a phenomenon called polarization rotation. This occurs when plane polarized light passes through certain materials, such as crystals, that have anisotropic properties. The direction of oscillation of the light wave rotates as it interacts with the material, resulting in a change in polarization.

Furthermore, plane polarized light can be analyzed using polarizers, which are devices that transmit light waves oscillating in a specific direction. By rotating the polarizer, the intensity of the transmitted light can be modified, allowing for the study of various optical phenomena.

In summary, plane polarized light is characterized by its specific direction of oscillation, its applications in various technologies, its ability to undergo polarization rotation, and its analysis using polarizers.

Comparison

Now that we have explored the attributes of both ordinary light and plane polarized light, let us compare them to understand their differences and similarities.

Polarization

The most significant distinction between ordinary light and plane polarized light lies in their polarization. Ordinary light has random polarization, with electric field vectors oscillating in all possible directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation. In contrast, plane polarized light has a specific direction of oscillation, with electric field vectors confined to a single plane.

Propagation

Ordinary light can propagate in all directions due to its random polarization. It can be transmitted, reflected, and refracted in various directions when interacting with surfaces or materials. On the other hand, plane polarized light propagates in a specific direction determined by the orientation of its electric field vectors. This property allows for the controlled manipulation of light waves in specific applications.

Dispersion

Ordinary light can be separated into its constituent colors through dispersion, as observed when passing through a prism or a diffraction grating. This is due to the different wavelengths of light bending at different angles. Plane polarized light, however, does not exhibit any unique dispersion properties related to its polarization. The dispersion of plane polarized light is similar to that of ordinary light.

Applications

Both ordinary light and plane polarized light find applications in various fields. Ordinary light is essential for general illumination, photography, and most everyday visual experiences. Plane polarized light, on the other hand, is utilized in technologies such as 3D glasses, LCDs, and optical microscopy, where the controlled direction of oscillation is crucial for their functionality.

Manipulation

While ordinary light cannot be easily manipulated due to its random polarization, plane polarized light can be controlled and manipulated using polarizers. By adjusting the orientation of the polarizer, the intensity and properties of plane polarized light can be modified, allowing for the study of various optical phenomena.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ordinary light and plane polarized light possess distinct attributes that differentiate them from each other. Ordinary light has random polarization, propagates in all directions, and can be separated into constituent colors through dispersion. Plane polarized light, on the other hand, has a specific direction of oscillation, finds applications in various technologies, and can be manipulated using polarizers. Understanding the properties of both types of light is crucial for comprehending the behavior of light waves and their applications in different fields of science and technology.