Unpolarized light of intensity I₀ passes through two sheets of ideal polarizing material.If the transmitted intensity is 0.375I₀,what is the angle between the polarizers? A) 22.5° B) 60° C) 30° D) 45°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of unpolarized light passing through a single polarizer is reduced by a factor of 1/2. Let the angle between the polarizers be θ. Then, the intensity of the light passing through the first polarizer is reduced by a factor of cos2θ and the intensity passing through both polarizers is reduced by a factor of cos2θ × cos2θ = cos4θ. Therefore, we have: 0.375I₀ = I₀/2 × cos4θ cos4θ = 0.75 Solving for θ, we have: θ = 30° Therefore, the angle between the polarizers is 30°.

Unpolarized Light of Intensity I0 Passes Through Two Sheets of Ideal

Unpolarized Light of Intensity I₀ Passes Through Two Sheets of Ideal