Unit: Waves
Year: 1996 Question#: 50
Question: The diagram at the right shows sunglasses being used to eliminate glare. Which wave phenomenon of light is represented in the diagram
(1 ) dispersion
(2 ) diffraction
(3 ) internal reflection
(4 ) polarization
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: Jennifer I (no last names)
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Answer 1
dispersion
INCORRECT
Dispersion is the process of spreading light out into the individual colors, this is not achieved by sunglasses to eliminate glare.
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Answer 2
diffraction
INCORRECT
Diffraction is the bending of light beyond a barrier. No diffraction is taking place here.
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Answer 3
internal reflection
INCORRECT
Internal reflection is the reflection of a wave inside a slower material. The situation with sunglasses does not have anything to do with internal reflection.
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Answer 4
polarization
CORRECT
Polarization filters out certain rays of light so that all light lies in the same plane. This process reduces glare.
return to top What is this question really asking?
What wave property can be used to filter out certain orientations of waves, leaving only one orientation left?
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