Og-4 Polarisation by Scattering

Aim

To demonstrate that scattered light is polarised. When the direction of observation is normal to the primary beam, the light is completely linearly polarized.

Apparatus

  • Slide projector
  • Large fish tank
  • Polaroids

Polarisation by Scattering

Polarisation by Scattering Apparatus

Description

A large fish tank is filled with water; if required a few drops of milk may be added to increase the scattering. A slide projector is used to illuminate the solution. The solution appears bluish white in scattered light and yellowish in direct light indicating that Rayleigh scattering predominates. A large sheet of polaroid is used to investigate the polarization of the scattered light.

Video

Safety Notes

Polarisation by Scattering SOP-34