Final answer:
Polarizing or flashing the field refers to the process of magnetizing the field poles of an aircraft generator to restore residual magnetism for proper functionality, similar to the directional properties conferred by polarizing filters in optics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polarizing or flashing the field is a method used to magnetize the field poles of an aircraft generator. In electrical engineering, particularly in the context of generators and motors, polarizing or flashing is a procedure to restore residual magnetism and ensure proper operation of the generator. This involves applying a direct current (DC) to the field windings, which builds up the proper magnetic polarity for the generator to function correctly. This process is akin to how polarizing filters work in optics, where the filters allow only waves with an electric field parallel to the filter's axis to pass, causing effects like darker skies or reduced glare in photographs. Similarly, polarizing filters can be used to analyze the scattering source of polarized electromagnetic (EM) waves.