Situation 25.1
The following are positioned in sequence: A source of a beam of natural light of intensity Io;three ideal polarizers A,B,and C;and an observer.Polarizer axis angles are measured clockwise from the vertical,from the perspective of the observer.The axis angle of polarizer A is set at zero degrees (vertical),and the axis angle of polarizer C is set at 50 degrees.
-In Situation 25.1,polarizer B is set so that the beam intensity at the observer is a maximum.The axis angle of polarizer B is:
A)0°
B)25°
C)50°
D)75°
E)100°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since polarizer A is set at 0° and polarizer C is set at 50°, there is a 50° difference between their axis angles. In order to maximize the intensity of the beam at the observer, the axis angle of polarizer B should be set halfway between the axis angles of polarizers A and C. Therefore, the axis angle of polarizer B should be at (0° + 50°)/2 = 25°. Hence, the answer is B) 25°.

Situation 25.1 the Following Are Positioned in Sequence: a Source of a of a Beam