Science glossary film: Polarisation

Polarisation

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Polarisation is the process by which a transverse wave, such as a light wave is made to oscillate in one plane only.

Polarisation is the process by which a transverse wave, such as a light wave, is made to oscillate in one plane only. This can be used to reveal hidden stress lines in transparent substances and is the process commonly used to create 3D effects. Longitudinal waves, such as sound, only oscillate in the direction of motion, so cannot be polarised.

This can be used to reveal hidden stress lines in transparent substances and is the process commonly used to create 3D effects. Longitudinal waves, such as sound, only oscillate in the direction of motion, so cannot be polarised.

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