Plane-polarized light of intensity I₀ is passed through two polarizers, the first one at 45° to the original polarization direction and the second rotated an additional 45° so that it is perpendicular to the original polarization. What intensity is transmitted? A) 0.50 I₀ B) 0.35 I₀ C) 0.25 I₀ D) 0.13 I₀ E) 0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first polarizer reduces the intensity to 1/2, and the second polarizer reduces the remaining intensity to 1/2 of that, for a total reduction in intensity of 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4. Therefore, the intensity transmitted is 0.25 I₀.

Plane-Polarized Light of Intensity I0 Is Passed Through Two Polarizers

Plane-Polarized Light of Intensity I₀ Is Passed Through Two Polarizers