Unpolarized light of intensity I₀ is sent through 4 polarizers,each of the last three rotated 30$^{\circ}$from the previous polarizer so that the last polarizer is perpendicular to the first.What is the intensity transmitted by this system? A) 0.75 I₀ B) 0.50 I₀ C) 0.42 I₀ D) 0.21 I₀ E) 0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each polarizer reduces the intensity of the light passing through it by a factor of 1/2. Since there are 4 polarizers, the total reduction in intensity is (1/2)^4 = 1/16. Therefore, the intensity transmitted by the system is: I = (1/16) I₀ Simplifying, we get: I = 0.0625 I₀ This is equivalent to 0.21 times the original intensity, so the correct answer is D: 0.21 I₀.

Unpolarized Light of Intensity I0 Is Sent Through 4 Polarizers,each ∘^{\circ}∘

Unpolarized Light of Intensity I₀ Is Sent Through 4 Polarizers,each $^{\circ}$