Plane-polarized light of intensity I₀ is passed through a polarizer oriented at 45° to the original plane of polarization. What is the intensity transmitted? A) 0.70 I₀ B) 0.50 I₀ C) 0.35 I₀ D) 0.25 I₀ E) 0.00

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of the transmitted light is given by Malus's Law, which states that the transmitted intensity (I) is equal to the initial intensity (I0) times the square of the cosine of the angle (θ) between the light's initial polarization direction and the axis of the polarizer. For an angle of 45°, this is I = I0 * cos^2(45°) = I0 * (sqrt(2)/2)^2 = 0.5 * I0.

Plane-Polarized Light of Intensity I0 Is Passed Through a Polarizer

Plane-Polarized Light of Intensity I₀ Is Passed Through a Polarizer