What name is given to light whose electric field vibrates in only one direction rather than in every direction perpendicular to travel?
ADiffused light
BDispersed light
CRefracted light
DPolarized light
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Polarized light
1. Ordinary light from most sources vibrates in every direction perpendicular to its travel.
2. Light whose electric field vibrates in only one such direction is called polarized.
3. Diffused describes light scattered by a rough surface, which is a different idea entirely.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 15 "Light", section 15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation_
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