Question
Which of the following statements is true for the direction of polarization for a polarized light wave?
- It is parallel to the direction of propagation and perpendicular to the direction of the electric field.
- It is perpendicular to the direction of propagation and parallel to the direction of the electric field.
- It is parallel to the directions of propagation and the electric field.
- It is perpendicular to the directions of propagation and the electric field.
Final Answer
(b)
Solution video
OpenStax College Physics for AP® Courses, Chapter 27, Problem 17 (Test Prep for AP® Courses)
vote with a rating of
votes with an average rating of
.
Prev
Video Transcript
This is College Physics Answers with Shaun Dychko. Polarization axis is along the direction of the electric field of the electromagnetic wave and an electric field is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Because electromagnetic waves are considered transverse waves and that the thing that’s oscillating in this case electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of propagation. So the answer is B.