Polarized Light and Organic Molecules: Everyday Objects

CCA! Volume 5

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Polarized Light and Organic Molecules: Everyday Objects

The liquid crystal display of a calculator and several plastic objects are examined between polarizing filters.

Liquid Crystal Display of a Calculator

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.8 MB
12 seconds

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4 Slides

A polarizing filter is rotated over the liquid crystal display of a calculator.

Plastic Template

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1.5 MB
23 seconds

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5 Slides

A plastic template is shown between polarizing filters. Areas of stress are revealed by colored bands of polarized light.

Calcite Crystal

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1 MB
15 seconds

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7 Slides

A calcite crystal is shown between polarizing filters. Light continues to be transmitted as the polarizing filter is rotated through 360°.

Plastic Cup

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.8 MB
11 seconds

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6 Slides

A polystyrene cup is examined between polarizing filters.

Plastic Box

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.7 MB
10 seconds

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5 Slides

A box made of polystyrene is examined between polarizing filters.

Cellophane Film

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1.2 MB
19 seconds

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3 Slides

A sheet of cellophane film is examined between polarizing filters and the color of the light changes as the film is stretched.

Discussion
The appearance of polarized light through solid materials reveals the orientation of the molecules in the sample. A series of everyday objects is examined between polarizing filters.