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[α]
Symbol for specific optic rotation. Optic rotation is the change in the rotation of polarized light of a given wavelength as it travels through certain substances. Polarization is the property of electromagentic waves (such as light) that describes the direction that the electrical field flows perpendicular to the direction of travel. All electromagnetic waves have electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of travel. Longitudinal waves (unlike transverse waves) do not exhibit polarization because their waves vibrate along the direction of travel. Transverse waves causes vibration in a perpendicular direction to its own motion. Perpendicular means a straight line at right angles to another line. A good example would be the lines of the letter "L."