Question

The prism does not act as a polarizer when _____________

(a) The angle of incidence is less than the critical angle for the O-ray

(b) The angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle for the O-ray

(c) The angle of incidence is less than the critical angle for the E-ray

(d) The angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle for the E-ray

I got this question in examination.

Query is from Nicol Prism in section Polarisation of Engineering Physics II

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) The angle of incidence is less than the critical angle for the O-ray

Easy explanation: If the angle of incidence is less than the critical angle for the O-ray, it is not reflected and is transmitted through the prism and so the prism does not act as a polarizer.