Polarization
[,pəʊləraɪ'zeɪʃən] or [,polərɪ'zeʃən]
Definition
(noun.) the phenomenon in which waves of light or other radiation are restricted in direction of vibration.
(noun.) the condition of having or giving polarity.
Typed by Geraldine--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The act of polarizing; the state of being polarized, or of having polarity.
(n.) A peculiar affection or condition of the rays of light or heat, in consequence of which they exhibit different properties in different directions.
(n.) An effect produced upon the plates of a voltaic battery, or the electrodes in an electrolytic cell, by the deposition upon them of the gases liberated by the action of the current. It is chiefly due to the hydrogen, and results in an increase of the resistance, and the setting up of an opposing electro-motive force, both of which tend materially to weaken the current of the battery, or that passing through the cell.
Checker: Ophelia
Examples
- Malus, in 1808, discovered polarization by reflection from polished surfaces; Arago, in 1811, discovered colored polarization; Nicol, in 1828, invented the prism named after him. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- Polarization of Light from Reflection by Malus. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
Checked by Ives