- Light is totally blocked when two polarizers are oriented 90 degrees apart. When third polarizer is inserted between the first two at an intermediate angle, light is transmitted.
- Located in L01, section B-5.
polarizers
Polarizers
- Located in L01, section B5.
Birefringence & Optical Activity
- Set contains: Polarizers, Mica Wafers, selenite, calcite samples, Benzoic Acid wafers, stressed plastic, cellophane, and corn syrup.
- View various objects between two polarized lenses; rotate a lens to see change in color patterns.
- Phenomenon is the result of optical rotation. Linearly polarized light rotates as it passes through these materials. Extent of rotation depends on wavelength of light, causing angular separation of colors.
- Located in L01, section B4
Barber Pole
- Shine polarized light through a bottle of corn syrup. Bottle of syrup appears multi-colored when viewed through a polarizer. Rotate polarizer to see colors change.
- Phenomenon is the result of optical rotation. Syrup rotates linearly polarized light; extent of rotation depends on wavelength of light, causing angular seperation of colors.
- Located in L01, section B5.