Polarization Physics Optics FOR THE IMAGE BELOW, ANSWER ALL THE FOLLING CLEARLY

Question

Polarization Physics Optics

FOR THE IMAGE BELOW, ANSWER ALL THE FOLLING CLEARLY AND IN ORDER.

Unpolarized light ofintensity Io is incident on a pair of (ideal) polarizers, as shown below. The direction of polarization of the first polarizer is vertical. The second polarizer has unknown orientation. For each part below, determine whether it is possible for the light that reaches the observer to have the given value ofintensity. If so: Determine the direction of polarization of the second polarizer. Show all work. If not: Explain why not. No light reaches the observer. Light ofintensity 2Io/3 reaches the observer.

Explanation / Answer

Part A)

Yes, it is possible for no light to reach the obesrver if the second polarizer is horizontal (90 degrees to the first)

Part B)

Not possible, see below for reasoning...

For this to work, we have...
2/3 = .667

.667 = (.5)cos2(angle)

cos2 is 1.334, that is greater than 1 so its an impossible solution since cos must have a maximum of 1

Part C)

1/2 = .5

.5 = .5cos2(angle)

This is a possible solution as long as the second polarizer is also vertical (0o with respect to the first polarizer)

Part D)

1/4 = .25

.25 = .5cos2(angle)

Angle = 45o

This is a possible situation when the second polarizer is at a 45o angle to the vertical first polarizer

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