Light Waves in Physics

1. Describe the result of shining light through two polarizing filters whose transmission axes are perpendicular to each other.

2. When light reflects off nonmetallic surfaces such as glass, water, or a road surface, the light is polarized. The reflected light consists of waves which are vibrating in a direction ____________ (parallel, perpendicular) to the reflecting surface.

3. Natural philosophers have long pondered the underlying reasons for color in nature. One common historical belief was that colored objects in nature produce small particles (perhaps light particles) which subsequently reach our eyes. Different objects produce different colored particles, thus contributing to their different appearance. Is this belief accurate or not? Justify your answer.

4. Why do plants “look” green?