Polarized light of intensity S0 passes through an ideal polarizer. If the electric vector of the polarized light is horizontal what, in terms of the initial intensity S0, is the intensity of the light that
Passes through a polarizer if that polarizer is tilted 0.449 rad from the horizontal?
A) 0.812 S0
B) 0.284 S0
C) 0.217 S0
D) 0.188 S0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of the light after passing through a polarizer is given by Malus's law, which states $I = I_0 \cos^2(\theta)$, where $I_0$ is the initial intensity, $I$ is the final intensity, and $\theta$ is the angle between the light's initial polarization direction and the axis of the polarizer. Given $\theta = 0.449$ rad, $I = S_0 \cos^2(0.449) \approx 0.812 S_0$.

Polarized Light of Intensity S0 Passes Through an Ideal Polarizer