In a standard laboratory polarimetry experiment, what is the explicit physical function of the Nicol — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ordinary light oscillates symmetrically in infinite planes. The Nicol prism acts as a specific polarizing filter. It blocks all vibrations except those oscillating in exactly one single plane, successfully creating the required Plane Polarized Light (PPL) needed to test for optical activity.