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Syllabus

Polarisation of Light — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 12 · Physics

What Polarisation of Light covers in ICSE Class 12 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 12 Physics syllabus.

43 questions32 flashcards3 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Polarisation of Light

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.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Polarisation of Light

Nature of light wavesUnpolarised and plane-polarised lightPlane of vibration and plane of polarisationPolariser and analyserPolarisation by reflectionBrewster's lawPolarisation by refractionPolarisation by scattering

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Polarisation of Light for ICSE Class 12 Physics?
Key topics in Polarisation of Light include Light Waves are Transverse, Plane-Polarised Light, Plane of Vibration and Plane of Polarisation, Polarisation by Reflection and Brewster's Law, Polarisation by Refraction: Pile of Plates. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Polarisation of Light for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 43 practice questions on Polarisation of Light. Revise 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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