Question

Unpolarized light, with an intensity of I0, is incident on an ideal polarizer. A second ideal polarizer is immediately behind the first and its axis of polarization is oriented at an angle of 60° relative to the first polarizer’s. How much of the light will be transmitted through the system?

Answer 1

The light transmitted through the system will be 0.125*I₀.

Step-by-step explanation:

The light transmitted through the system can be found using Malus Law:

`I = I_(0)cos^(2)(\theta)` (1)

Where:

I: is the intensity of the light transmitted

I₀: is the initial intensity

θ is the angle relative to the first polarizer’s = 60°

Because the light transmitted by the first polarizer is dropped by half, the equation (1) results as:

`I = (I_(0))/(2)cos^(2)(\theta)`

`I = (I_(0))/(2)cos^(2)(60)`

`I = 0.125I_(0) = (1)/(8)I_(0)`

Therefore, the light transmitted through the system will be 0.125*I₀.

I hope it helps you!