Polarized Waves
Safety Warnings
Warning: Tube Tension Warning
Purpose
Transverse waves on a rubber tube pass through or are blocked by wooden grids, providing a mechanical analogy for light polarization. Students see single-polarizer transmission, crossed-polarizer extinction, and the surprising result that a third grid at 45 degrees between crossed grids allows waves through.
Figure 1:
The polarization demonstration setup showing wooden grids that serve as mechanical polarizers for transverse waves on the rubber tube.
Figure 2:
A single polarizing grid positioned along the bench with the rubber tube stretched through it, ready to demonstrate selective wave transmission.
Figure 3:
The grid can be oriented at various angles to demonstrate partial wave transmission, analogous to Malus's Law for polarized light.
Figure 4:
The complete apparatus allows demonstration of how a third polarizer at 45 degrees between crossed polarizers permits wave transmission.
Equipment
- 1
Demo Apparatus
- 1