Brewster’s angle is a term used in physics that refers to the angle at which a polarized light wave is reflected from a surface. It is named after Sir David Brewster, a Scottish physicist who first discovered the phenomenon in 1815. This article will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of Brewster’s angle.
Definitions
Brewster’s angle is defined as the angle of incidence at which the reflected light is completely polarized. In other words, it is the angle at which the reflected light waves vibrate in a single plane, perpendicular to the surface. The angle is given by the formula: tan θ = n, where θ is the angle of incidence, and n is the refractive index of the material.
Origin
Sir David Brewster discovered the phenomenon of Brewster’s angle while studying the reflection of light from glass surfaces. He observed that when light is reflected from a glass surface at a certain angle, the reflected light becomes polarized, meaning that the light waves vibrate in a single plane. Brewster’s angle is named after him in recognition of his discovery.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Brewster’s angle is defined as “the angle of incidence at which light is reflected from a surface in a plane perpendicular to the surface, producing polarized light.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the angle of incidence at which light reflected from a nonmetallic surface is completely polarized.”
Associations
Brewster’s angle is closely associated with the phenomenon of polarization, which is the property of light waves to vibrate in a single plane. It is also related to the refractive index of a material, which is a measure of how much the material bends light as it passes through it.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for Brewster’s angle, as the term is specific to the phenomenon it describes.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for Brewster’s angle, as the term is specific to the phenomenon it describes.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with Brewster’s angle, as it is a specific term coined in reference to Sir David Brewster’s discovery.
Example Sentences
- “The polarizing sunglasses work by blocking light waves that are not aligned with Brewster’s angle.”
- “The angle of incidence required to achieve Brewster’s angle varies depending on the material being reflected from.”
- “Brewster’s angle is an important concept in the study of optics and light polarization.”
Brewster’s angle is a term used to describe the angle at which a polarized light wave is reflected from a surface. It is named after Sir David Brewster, who discovered the phenomenon in 1815. The angle is closely associated with the property of polarization and the refractive index of a material. While there are no commonly used synonyms or antonyms for Brewster’s angle, it remains an important concept in the study of optics and light polarization.