Polarizing Puzzle

As seen on Physicsfun

2 pieces of polarized film on a display card. Diagram shows you how to use polarizers.

Waves oscillate as they transfer energy through a medium. Polarization is property of some waves (such as light) that specifies the direction of this oscillation. In general, ambient light is unpolarized or of mixed polarizations. This sample of 2 linear polarizers is designed to only allow light of specific oscillating directions to pass through.

The light allowed to pass through is dependent on the direction the polarizer is held relative to the viewer. Rotating or combining the polarizers will allow different light to pass through.

Used by photographers to suppress glares and reflections.