AWhat changed
Controlled field switching and reversal connect a magnetic field to polarization rotation in transparent matter, distinguishing its directional behavior from natural optical rotation.
Scientific scope
Controlled field switching and reversal connect a magnetic field to polarization rotation in transparent matter, distinguishing its directional behavior from natural optical rotation. The experiments were reported to the Royal Society in November 1845 and published in 1846; the inspected author-collected reprint is from 1855. The effect concerns light transmitted through material, not direct deflection in empty space or a complete electromagnetic theory of light. Early proportionality observations were scoped to tested materials and field strengths.
Evidence
Source-linked, scoped account of the original work. The published scope states the scientific assumptions and remaining verification limits. WRS has not independently certified the full proof, experimental result or system benchmark.
Contributors
- Michael Faraday · SCIENCE: Original source-listed scientific author of this scoped work; byline does not determine effort fractions.
Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.
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