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Revision Notes

Polarisation of Light

ICSE · Class 12 · Physics

Quick revision notes for Polarisation of Light — ICSE Class 12 Physics. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

43 questions32 flashcards5 concepts

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Key Topics to Revise

1

1. Light Waves are Transverse

  • In a longitudinal wave, particle vibrations occur along the direction of wave propagation.
  • In a transverse wave, particle vibrations occur perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
  • Sound waves are longitudinal and cannot show polarisation.
2

2. Plane-Polarised Light, Plane of Vibration and Plane of Polarisation

  • In ordinary or unpolarised light, the electric vector vibrates symmetrically in all directions perpendicular to propagation.
  • In plane-polarised light, the electric vector vibrates in one direction only in the plane perpendicular to propagation.
  • Unpolarised light is represented by a star symbol.
3

3. Polarisation by Reflection and Brewster's Law

  • Unpolarised light reflected from a transparent surface becomes partially plane-polarised.
  • At a particular angle of incidence called the polarising angle, the reflected light becomes completely plane-polarised.
  • At the polarising angle, the vibrations in the reflected light are perpendicular to the plane of incidence.
4

4. Polarisation by Refraction: Pile of Plates

  • When unpolarised light is incident at the polarising angle on a transparent plate, the reflected light is completely plane-polarised.
  • The refracted light is only partially plane-polarised.
  • The refracted light contains about 50 percent vibrations in the plane of paper and about 42 percent perpendicular to the plane of paper.

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Key Concepts

In a longitudinal waveIn unpolarised lightThe plane of vibration containsThe first crystal or deviceWhen unpolarised light reflects from

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Polarisation of Light for ICSE Class 12 Physics?
Key topics in Polarisation of Light include Polarisation of Light — Complete Chapter Overview, Polarisation of Light – Complete Chapter Overview, Polarisation of Light - Concept Overview. These are the concepts ICSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Polarisation of Light — ICSE Class 12 Physics?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 43 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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