Plane-polarized light of intensity $I_{0}$ is passed through a polarizer oriented at $45^{\circ}$ to the original plane of polarization. What is the intensity transmitted?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of light transmitted through a polarizer is given by Malus's law, $I = I_{0} \cos^2(\theta)$, where $I_{0}$ is the initial intensity, and $\theta$ is the angle between the light's initial polarization direction and the axis of the polarizer. For $\theta = 45^{\circ}$, $\cos^2(45^{\circ}) = 0.5$, so the transmitted intensity is $0.50 I_{0}$.

Plane-Polarized Light of Intensity I0I_{0}I0​ Is Passed Through a Polarizer Oriented At

Plane-Polarized Light of Intensity $I_{0}$ Is Passed Through a Polarizer Oriented At