Question

Plane polarized light can be produced by the phenomenon of

• A. reflection
• B. dispersion
• C. diffraction
• D. scattering
• E. interference

Hint:

Remember Brewster's law: \[ \tan i_B = \mu \] At this angle, reflected light is completely plane polarized.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall polarization concept.
Polarization refers to restriction of vibrations of light waves to a single plane.

Step 2: Identify method of producing polarized light.
One of the most common methods is reflection at a surface.

Step 3: Brewster's law.
At a particular angle (Brewster angle), reflected light becomes completely plane polarized.

Step 4: Explain mechanism.
During reflection, vibrations perpendicular to plane of incidence are favored, producing polarized light.

Step 5: Analyze other options.
- Dispersion: separates colors, not polarization
- Diffraction: spreading of waves
- Scattering: random direction change
- Interference: superposition effect

Step 6: Correct phenomenon.
Only reflection produces plane polarized light directly.

Step 7: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{reflection}} \] Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(1)\ \text{reflection}} \]