Question

Polarizing Filters In the fifth lab (the ters and measured the resulting intensity. Initially vertically polarized light, with an intensity Io, is sent through two (ideal) polarizing sheets, whose transmission axes are 45° and 90° to the vertical. Will the intensity of the light be greater or less than if with the polarizers), you shined light through polarizhng there were only polarizer at 90° to the yertical? Explain. Note that Malus Law one says I2= I cos2 e

Answer 1

Answer:

So the intensity of the light be smaller in second case with the polarizers at 90 degree with the vertical

Explanation:

When two polarizers are arranged at 45 degree and 90 degree in series

so here the intensity of light coming out of the polarizers is given as

$I_1 = I_ocos^45$

$I_1 = \frac{I_0}{2}$

now for second polarizer we have

$I_2 = I_1 cos^2(90 - 45)$

$I_2 = (\frac{I_0}{2})\frac{1}{2}$

$I_2 = \frac{I_0}{4}$

now in other case when two polarizers are inclined 90 degree to the vertical

$I = I_ocos^290 = 0$

so final intensity in second case will be ZERO

So the intensity of the light be smaller in second case with the polarizers at 90 degree with the vertical