brewster's law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “brewster's law” mean?
A law of optics stating that the angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a transparent surface, with no reflection, is known as Brewster's angle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A law of optics stating that the angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a transparent surface, with no reflection, is known as Brewster's angle.
In extended use, it refers to the principle that light reflected from a surface at a specific angle (Brewster's angle) becomes perfectly polarized parallel to the surface. The term is also occasionally used in geology to describe a method of stress analysis using polarized light in photoelastic materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling follows the standard regional conventions for possessives (e.g., 'Brewster's' vs. 'Brewster's' remains identical). Pronunciation of 'Brewster' may show minor variation.
Connotations
None beyond the strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, confined to academic and technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “brewster's law” in a Sentence
Brewster's law + [states/defines] + that-clauseAccording to + Brewster's law, + clauseNoun + governed by + Brewster's lawVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in physics, optics, and engineering textbooks, lectures, and research papers to describe the relationship between refractive index and polarization angle.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in optics labs, photonics, laser technology, and materials science for designing anti-reflective coatings and polarizing filters.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brewster's law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brewster's law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brewster's law”
- Incorrect: 'Brewster law' (missing possessive).
- Incorrect: Using it to refer to general reflection laws, not the specific polarization condition.
- Incorrect: Pronouncing it as 'Brew-stir's law'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used in physics, specifically in the sub-disciplines of optics and electromagnetism.
It is named after the Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster (1781–1868).
Yes, it is used in designing anti-reflective coatings, camera lens filters, polarizing sunglasses, and laser optics to manage unwanted reflections.
It applies to unpolarized or partially polarized light. At the Brewster angle, only the component of light polarized perpendicular to the plane of incidence is reflected.
A law of optics stating that the angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a transparent surface, with no reflection, is known as Brewster's angle.
Brewster's law is usually technical/scientific in register.
Brewster's law: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbruːstəz lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrustərz lɔ/ or /ˈbrustərz lɑ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Brewster Breaks the Reflection' – At his special angle, the reflected light beam is broken (eliminated) for one polarization.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LAW (as a rule or decree from nature).
Practice
Quiz
Brewster's law is primarily concerned with: