Question

The transmission coefficient of a wave propagating in the Brewster angle is

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 0 infinity

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

1

Answer 2

The Brewster angle (also known as the polarization angle) is a specific angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization, known as p-polarized light (polarized parallel to the plane of incidence), is perfectly transmitted through a dielectric interface, with no reflection.

At the Brewster angle, for p-polarized light, the reflection coefficient ($R_p$) is zero. According to the principle of conservation of energy, for a non-absorbing medium, the sum of the reflection coefficient ($R$) and the transmission coefficient ($T$) is equal to 1 ($R + T = 1$).

Since $R_p = 0$ at the Brewster angle, it follows that the transmission coefficient for p-polarized light ($T_p$) must be:

$T_p = 1 - R_p = 1 - 0 = 1$

Therefore, the transmission coefficient of a p-polarized wave propagating at the Brewster angle is 1.