Unpolarized light in air strikes a material of refractive index 1.73 at Brewster’s angle. Which statement about reflected light and angle of reflection is correct?
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Question

Unpolarized light in air strikes a material of refractive index 1.73 at Brewster’s angle. Which statement about reflected light and angle of reflection is correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: At Brewster incidence, the reflected beam is completely plane polarized; the transmitted beam generally is not. Step 2: Brewster’s law for air to medium is tan iᵦ = n₂/n₁ = 1.73/1.00 = 1.73. Step 3: Since tan60° = √3 ≈ 1.732, iᵦ ≈ 60°. Step 4: Law of reflection gives reflection angle r = incidence angle iᵦ ≈ 60°. Final answer: Completely polarized reflected beam at about 60°, Option A.