Physics

Brewster's Angle Calculator

Find the angle at which reflected light is fully polarized.

Calculated Output

Brewster's angle (°) 56.31

Formula: θ_B = arctan(n₂ ÷ n₁)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Index of medium 1 = 1

3. Index of medium 2 = 1.5

5. Brewster's angle = 56.31°

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The math behind it

θ_B = arctan(n₂/n₁). Polarized sunglasses exploit this to cut glare.

Air to glass (1 → 1.5) → about 56.3°.

Why does glare get polarized?

Reflection off non-metals preferentially reflects one polarization, strongest at Brewster's angle.