How Do Polarized Sunglasses Work?!

Many of us have polarized sunglasses, but how does an optical polarizer actually block light? It has to do with the polarization of electromagnetic waves and the vibration of atoms in transparent solids.
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LINKS TO COMMENTS

GussTheRabbit - Photons:

Gayatri P - Photons:

[stevenmiller]

The weirdest thing I’ve noticed while looking through polarized sunglasses is my brother, but I doubt that had to do anything with the polarization.

[andreasy]

finally, an explanation that truly explains how polarization of light actually works. thanks and subscribed

[swolch]

I accidentally discovered that rainbow light is highly polarized.

I was driving home from a long day at work. Behind me was a clear and very sunny sky and ahead was a rather large rainstorm producing the most vivid rainbow I had ever seen.

I was wearing my polarized sunglasses (if it wasn't clear from context) and like I said it was a long day so, without changing my gaze (I was driving after all) I stretched my neck to the side and suddenly the rainbow practically vanished. It completely shocked me and was totally unexpected. 🤩

[robertsparkman]

Your animations are top notch now, great job!

[brianwalker]

Nick!  I just found you about a week ago, and I've subscribed and watched damn near everyone of your video's.  And not one video have I not watched to the end.  You are simply awesome at putting together these videos and more importantly explaining physics and science to a noob like me who has no education other than developing a super strong interest in physics in my late 30's.  Please keep them coming.  Thanks so much for what you do!!

[christiansosa]

This channel needs more subscribers. As person who love these type of content, how has YouTube hidden a creator such as you for so long ! Loving the vids

[darrellseike]

I was looking at some high cirrus clouds made of ice crystals. The sun was above at just the proper angle that when I looked at them with polarized glasses, I saw a color light show in the clouds. Rainbows were interacting like a plasma fractal putting on such an incredible color show, my mouth was literally hanging open in complete awe. It looked like a psychedelic light show in the sky and went on for hours.

[stellarfirefly]

The coolest thing to see through polarized sunglasses are stress patterns in materials, especially glass, and especially car rear windshield glass. For many modern cars, usually a checkerboard pattern may be seen when the polarization axis is at the correct orientation. (Tilt your glasses a bit if you don't see them right away.) This is due to the tempering, done to control fragmentation when the glass breaks, by blowing cool air onto its surface while it is still hot and being shaped. The checkerboard actually shows the location, and sometimes even the shape, of those cool air nozzles.

[buckrogers]

I cover my phone camera with my sunglasses to take better pics of clouds. ;-)

[takemehomecountryroads]

This is the best explanation of polarization ever, and that's not even the title of the video. It's beaten MIT's lecture on this topic.

[camiladuraes]

After finally a lot, I finally found a clear visual example. Thank you a lot.

[tommygibs]

I was motivated to look up this video because I just noticed that my polarized sunglasses allowed me to see much further while driving through blizzard conditions

[macronencer]

Another excellent video. You always take the topic one step deeper than most popular science presentations, and you make it easy to follow as well. Thank you!

[edmundwoolliams]

This is such a good explanation. I’ve never seen such a good explanation of this before

[TheDarkBrethren]

I remember when we studied polarised lenses in school, and I thought this would be an interesting replacement for blinds/curtains, and then I realised someome had already done it...

[tempname]

Finally a proper explanation of polarization! I cry the tears of joy.

[SeanOng]

I have a degree in physics, but this helped me understand light polarization better - especially glare reduction. Thank you!

[TheJohnblyth]

Excellent. That clears that up. You’re really good at this; keep ‘em coming.

[kyzercube]

Nick, the most amazing thing I see with polarized glasses is the true dominant color of the daytime sky. With polarized glasses, the violet that we normally can't see, comes right out clearly visible and dominant in color.

[johntate]

I have always loved the coloured patterns you get looking at things like transparent plastic boxes through polarisers.