Polarized Light: Optical Activity

Two polarizing sheets separated by a small wooden block are placed on an overhead projector. When various plastic-like transparent materials are placed between the sheets, light of different colors is observed to get through. The colors observed are due to the rotation of the polarization plane which is shown to depend upon the properties of the material, the relative orientation of the polarizing sheets with respect to the material, and the wavelength of the light. It is shown that the observed pattern of light changes when the plastic material is placed under mechanical stress.
Equipment:
Two polarizing sheets
Small separator block
Overhead projector
Plastic French curve
Pieces of cellophane and other plastics
Screen
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This video is part of the project "Videos of Physics Demonstrations", which is created by Dr. Galli and Dr. Amiri of Physics Department, Weber State University. To access the full library of the videos, please visit this link: www.weber.edu/...
Links to University and Department:
Weber State University Homepage: www.weber.edu/
WSU Physics Department: www.weber.edu/...