11-002-PolarizedLight

In this scenario we look at polarized light. Polarization is a property of light that is not as obvious as color but is, nonetheless, all around us. You cant observe polarized light without some equipment. We will use cheap polarizing filters, like the ones found in polarizing sunglasses or the slide-mounted linear polarizing filter. (The slide-mounted linear polarizing filters are labeled ``Linear Polarized Filter.). If youre a student your teacher will provide several slide-mounted linear polarizing filters. This unit begins with observations, experiments and explorations -- looking for polarized light and seeing how it is affected by linear polarizing filters. Then we discuss a very rough model, inspired by the blocking model for colored gels, for one way that linear polarizing filters might interact with polarized light. Next, you will be asked to construct a competing model, inspired by the painting model for colored gels, for one way that linear polarizing filters might interact with polarized light. Then you are asked to devise an experiment that will enable you to choose between the two models, carry out that experiment and challenge your chosen model with new experiments and observations. As we discussed earlier, you will be left with more questions than answers and at the end of this unit you will be asked to discuss your questions and how you might go about learning more about polarized light and linear polarizing filters. This unit begins with observations, experiments and explorations -- looking for polarized light and seeing how it is affected by linear polarizing filters. Then we discuss a very rough model, inspired by the blocking model for colored gels, for one way that linear polarizing filters might interact with polarized light. Next, you will be asked to construct a competing model, inspired by the painting model for colored gels, for one way that linear polarizing filters might interact with polarized light. Then you are asked to devise an experiment that will enable you to choose between the two models, carry out that experiment and challenge your chosen model with new experiments and observations. As we discussed earlier, you will be left with more questions than answers and at the end of this unit you will be asked to discuss your questions and how you might go about learning more about polarized light and linear polarizing filters.