6H10.10 Polaroid Filters

Place two polaroid filters on base or overhead projector and rotate one.

Setup Requirements: Minimal

Equations: None

Safety Issues: None

6H10.20 Microwave Polarization

Show how polarization of the microwaves causes the intensity to vary as the transmitter is rotated. Rotate transmitter. Observe change in intensity meter reading. Rotating transmitter 90 degrees causes intensity to go to zero.

Setup Requirements:Assembled as needed as shown in photograph. Advance notice needed. Equipment is borrowed from Introductory Physics stockroom. Batteries may need replacing.

Equations: None

Safety Issues: Pacemakers and other medical devices may be affected by 10.525 GHz microwaves. Check with a doctor before operating if you have pacemaker or other electronic medical devices.

6H20.10 Brewster's Angle

Shine light onto black glass. Observe reflection through polaroid filter. If angle of incidence = Brewster's angle reflected light is completely polarized.

Setup Requirements: Assembled as needed.

Equations: Tangent of Brewster's Angle = n2/n1

Safety Issues: Laser

6H30.40 Karo Syrup and Optical Activity

Demonstrates that the angle of rotation of polarized light in an optically active medium is a function of wavelength. Place container of corn syrup between polaroid filters. Observe color changes as you rotate one of the filters.

Setup Requirements: Minimal

Equations: None

Safety Issues: None

6H35.10 Calcite Crystals

Example of birefringence. A beam of light passing through the crystal may produce two beams with diifferent planes of polarization. 

Setup Requirements: Minimal

Equations: None

Safety Issues: Laser

6H35.50 Stress Pattern In Plastic

Demonstrate stress pattern in plastic using polarized light. Place plastic between polaroid filters and rotate one filter.Example of birefringence.

Setup Requirements: Minimal

Equations: None

Safety Issues: None