You have two polarizers on an optical rail between an unpolarized light source (

Question

You have two polarizers on an optical rail between an unpolarized light source (of intensity I_0) and a detector. Polarizer 1 is oriented at an angle of theta_1 = 40degree from the horizontal, and polarizer 2 is oriented horizontally (theta_2 = 0degree). (a) What is the intensity of the light after it passes through only polarizer 1? Express your answer as a fraction or decimal in terms of I_0 (i.e. I = 1/4 I_0). (b) What is the intensity of the light after it has passed through both polarizers? Again, express your answer as a fraction or decimal in terms of I_0.

Explanation / Answer

when an unpolarized light passes through a first polarizer then it intensity became half is

I = Io /2 .............answer

now this light after passing from 1st is polarized light with 40 degree horizontal

so apply Malus's law

I = Ii* [cos( 40-0) ]^2

= Io/2 *  [cos( 40) ]^2

= 0.293*Io .............answer

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