3 ms·
A simple version of this (not the exact experiment) is to take three polarizing filters. Put one down, and see it reduces the amount of light passing through. P
by Thespian2 8y ago
A simple version of this (not the exact experiment) is to take three polarizing filters. Put one down, and see it reduces the amount of light passing through. Put a second one down, in line with the first, then rotate it to 90 degrees off. You will observe the light dim until the second filter is completely dark, blocking all the light which passed the first filter. Finally, take the third filter, and place it between the first two, at 45 degrees off, and suddenly light will pass through all three.
This very clearly demonstrates that each filter reshapes the wave's polarization, not to a single orientation, but to a narrow band.
- posterboy 8y agoThe inaccuracy persists, e.g. in your comment - "the wave" I can image along literal hand waving. I'm being cynic because this polarization filter experiment had me dumbfounded. Blocking the way between the second and third filter will show no light, as if the third filter wasn't there. It appears as if there is a wave but polarized in a way that doesn't reflect from the hand and the third filter would polarize it again. I believe that's also what you are saying. Only, what is "the wave"? > a narrow band. Are you agreeing with Scotty79 above? What band? But, anyway, I don't see the analogy to Stern-Gerlach (which I only skimmed quickly on wikipedia).