Science glossary film: Polarization

Polarization

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Polarization is the process by which a transverse wave, such as a light wave, is made to oscillate in one plane only.

Polarization is the process by which a transverse wave, such as a light wave, is made to oscillate in one plane only. This can be used to reveal hidden stress lines in transparent substances and is the process commonly used to create 3D effects. Longitudinal waves, such as sound, only oscillate in the direction of motion, so cannot be polarized.

This can be used to reveal hidden stress lines in transparent substances and is the process commonly used to create 3D effects. Longitudinal waves, such as sound, only oscillate in the direction of motion, so cannot be polarized.

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