Light cannot be linearly polarized by:
transmission
reflection
diffraction
diffraction
To determine how light can or cannot be linearly polarized, we need to understand the properties and behavior of light waves.
Light waves consist of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. When these oscillations occur in a single plane, the light is said to be linearly polarized.
Now, let's analyze the given options and determine which one cannot linearly polarize light:
1. Transmission: Light can indeed be linearly polarized through transmission. For example, when unpolarized light passes through a polarizing filter, only the electric field component oscillating in a specific direction is allowed to pass, resulting in linearly polarized light.
2. Reflection: Light can also be linearly polarized through reflection. When unpolarized light strikes a non-metallic surface at a certain angle called the Brewster's angle, the reflected light becomes linearly polarized parallel to the surface.
3. Diffraction: Diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when light waves encounter an obstacle or pass through an opening. While diffraction can affect the intensity and distribution of light, it does not change the polarization state of the light. Therefore, diffraction does not prevent light from being linearly polarized.
Therefore, the correct answer is diffraction. Diffraction does not prevent light from being linearly polarized.