Polarization

In general, there are two kinds of waves:

A wave on a string is a transverse wave. Light is a transverse wave.
Sound is a longitudinal wave. A slinky toy can support a longitudinal wave.


Longitudinal waves can not be polarized. Light is a transverse wave so it may be polarized.

Total Internal Reflection

Summary

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(C) 2003, Doug Davis; all rights reserved