A beam of unpolarized light is incident along Z axis on a

scatterer at O. As light waves are transverse in character, all the

possible directions of vibration of electric vector in unpolarized

light are confined to XY plane.

When we look along X-axis, then because of transverse

nature of light, we can see only the vibrations of electric vector
which are parallel to Y-axis. Similarly, when we look along Y-axis,
the vibrations of electric vector seen are perpendicular to Y-axis
or parallel to X-axis. Hence light scattered in a direction
perpendicular to the incident light is always plane polarized. The
angle of incidence at which the reflected light is completely plane
polarized is called polarizing angle or Brewster’s angle.
It is represented by ip. The value of ip depends on the
wavelength of light used apart from the material of the reflecting
surface. Therefore, complete polarization is possible only for
monochromatic light. In Fig. , unpolarized light is incident along
AO at angle ip on the interface XY separating air from a medium
of refractive index n. The light reflected along OB is completely
plane polarized.
In fact, the unpolarized light has two electric field

components, one perpendicular to the plane of incidence

(represented by dots) and the other in the plane of incidence

(represented by arrows).

The vibrations of electric vector perpendicular to the

place of incidence remains always parallel to the reflecting

surface, whatever be the angle of incidence. Therefore, condition

of their reflection is not changed with the change in the angle of

incidence. However, the other set of oscillations of electric vector

in the plane of incidence make different angles with the reflecting

surface, as angle of incidence of unpolarized light is changed. At

the polarizing angle ip, most of these vibrations of electric vector

get transmitted and are not reflected. Hence, light refracted along

OC is a mixture of polarized light and unpolarized light, i.e it is

partially polarized.

According to this law, when unpolarized light is incident

at polarizing angle, ip on an interface separating air from a

medium of refractive index n, then the reflected light is fully

polarized (perpendicular to the plane of incidence), provided

n=tan(ip)

This relation represents Brewster’s Law.

Some common observations:-

i. For air-glass interface, refractive index of air with respect to

glass = 3/2

Therefore, tan ip= 3/2 =1.5

ip = tan >>>>>>>>>>>>1.5= 56.3 degree

ii. For air-water interface, refractive of air with respect to water =

4/3

Therefore, tan ip = 4/3 =1.33

ip = tan @@@@@@@@@@@@@1.33=53.1

degree.

If beam of light is propagating towards you.

Then, electric field shown as red vectors is oscillating
perpendicular to light beam direction.
And magnetic field shown as blue vectors is oscillating
perpendicular to both beam of light and electric field