A beam of polarized light of intensity I₀ passes through a sheet of ideal polarizing material.The polarization axis of the beam and the transmission axis of the sheet differ by 38°.What is the intensity of the emerging light? A)0.79I₀ B)0.62I₀ C)0.91I₀ D)0.90I₀ E)0.96I₀

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of the emerging light is given by Malus's Law: I = I₀ * cos²(θ), where θ is the angle between the light's polarization direction and the transmission axis. For θ = 38°, I = I₀ * cos²(38°) ≈ 0.62I₀.

A Beam of Polarized Light of Intensity I0 Passes Through

A Beam of Polarized Light of Intensity I₀ Passes Through