In Figure (a) below, unpolarized light is sent into a system of three polarizing

Question

In Figure (a) below, unpolarized light is sent into a system of three polarizing sheets. The angles theta_1, theta_2, and theta_3 and of the polarizing directions are measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of the y axis (they are not drawn to scale). Angles theta_1 and theta_3 are fixed, but angle theta_2 can be varied. Figure (b) gives the intensity of the light emerging from sheet 3 as a function of theta_2. (The scale of the intensity axis is not indicated.) What percentage of the light's initial intensity is transmitted by the system when theta_2 = 42degree?

Explanation / Answer

S1 = So/2

S2 = S1cos^2(1+2) = So/2 * cos^2(1+2)

S2 = S2cos^2(2+3) = So/2 * cos^2(1+2)*cos^2(3-2)

S3/So = 1/2 cos^2(60)*cos^2(20) = 11%

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