In figure (a) below, unpolarized light is sent into a system of two polarizing s

Question

In figure (a) below, unpolarized light is sent into a system of two polarizing sheets. The angles 1 and 2 of the polarizing directions of the sheets are measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of the y axis (they are not drawn to scale in the figure). Angle 1 is fixed but angle 2 can be varied. Figure (b) below gives the intensity of the light emerging from sheet 2 as a function of 2. (The scale of the intensity axis is not indicated.) What percentage of the light's initial intensity is transmitted by the two-sheet system when 2 = 112o?

Explanation / Answer

The intensity is given by

Say 1 = 90 degree then

I = Io/ 2 cos2 (2 1 )

I /Io = 1/ 2 cos2(112-90) = 1/ 2 cos2(22) = 0.42

So I /Io = 42%

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