Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 33 - Electromagnetic Waves - Problems - Page 1006: 68b

Answer

The angle of incidence does not depend on the wavelength of the light.

Work Step by Step

We can use Equation (33-49) to find the Brewster angle $\theta_B$ at the interface between air $n_1$ and water $n_2$: $\theta_B = tan^{-1}~\frac{n_2}{n_1}$ $\theta_B = tan^{-1}~\frac{1.33}{1.00}$ $\theta_B = 53.1^{\circ}$ At an angle of incidence of $~~53.1^{\circ}~~$ the light reflected from water will be completely polarized. From the equation, we can see that the angle of incidence does not depend on the wavelength of the light.
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