Question

Under what circumstances is the phase of light changed by reflection? Is the phase related to polarization?

a) Phase changes for all angles of reflection; no relation to polarization.

b) Phase changes only for certain angles; related to polarization.

c) Phase changes only for certain materials; no relation to polarization.

d) Phase remains unchanged for all angles; related to polarization.

Answer 1

The phase of light changes for certain angles of reflection and is related to polarization.

Step-by-step explanation:

When light undergoes reflection, the phase of the light can change. This phase change depends on the angle of reflection and the indices of refraction of the media involved. Light waves undergo a 180° or π radians phase change when reflecting at an interface beyond which is a medium of higher refractive index. No phase change occurs when reflecting from a medium of lower refractive index. So, the phase of light changes only for certain angles of reflection and is related to the polarization.