University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 33 - The Nature and Propagation of Light - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1104: Q33.19

Answer

See explanation. Light is a transverse wave.

Work Step by Step

The electric fields in the incoming ray oscillate the charges in air molecules. From the viewpoint of the observer on the x-axis, these charges oscillate in the yz plane, with no preferential direction. The transverse light wave traveling in the x-direction remains unpolarized.
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