Which of the following determine the state of polarization of light re...
The correct answers are: The phase difference between the electric vector of the two superposing waves, The amplitudes of the superposing waves
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Which of the following determine the state of polarization of light re...
Explanation:
The state of polarization of light resulting from the superposition of two light waves is determined by the phase difference between the electric vector of the two superposing waves and the amplitudes of the superposing waves.
Phase Difference:
The phase difference between the electric vectors of the two superposing waves plays a crucial role in determining the resulting polarization of light. The phase difference refers to the difference in the positions of the peaks and troughs of the two waves. If the phase difference is zero or an integral multiple of 2π, the two waves are said to be in phase, and the resulting light will have a specific polarization. If the phase difference is not zero or an integral multiple of 2π, the two waves are said to be out of phase, and the resulting light will have a different polarization. Therefore, the phase difference between the electric vectors of the two waves directly influences the state of polarization of the resulting light.
Amplitudes:
The amplitudes of the superposing waves also contribute to determining the state of polarization of the resulting light. The amplitude of a wave represents the maximum displacement of the particles of the medium through which the wave is propagating. When two waves with different amplitudes superpose, the resulting light will have a polarization that depends on the amplitudes of the two waves. The amplitudes influence the intensity and overall strength of the resulting light, which in turn affects its polarization.
Direction of Propagation:
The direction of propagation of the resulting light does not directly determine its state of polarization. The direction of propagation simply refers to the direction in which the light wave travels. While the direction of propagation can affect the way the light interacts with different materials or optical elements, it does not have a direct influence on the polarization state resulting from the superposition of two waves.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A,B' - the phase difference between the electric vector of the two superposing waves and the amplitudes of the superposing waves. These factors determine the state of polarization of light resulting from the superposition of two light waves.