An unpolarized beam of light passes through two polarizing sheets that are initi

Question

An unpolarized beam of light passes through two polarizing sheets that are initially aligned so that the transmitted beam is maximal.

Part A.

By what angle should the second polarized sheet be rotated relative to the first to reduce the transmitted intensity to one-half the intensity that was transmitted through both polarizing sheets when aligned?

Part B.

By what angle should the second polarized sheet be rotated relative to the first to reduce the transmitted intensity to one-sixth the intensity that was transmitted through both polarizing sheets when aligned?

Explanation / Answer

part A)

let the angle rotated by the second sheet is theta

for I = 0.5 * maximum intensity

I = maximum intensity * cos(theta)^2

0.5 * maximum intensity = maximum intensity * cos(theta)^2

cos(theta) = 1/sqrt(2)

theta = 45 degree

the angle should the second polarized sheet be rotated relative to the first is 45 degree

part B)

let the angle rotated by the second sheet is theta

for I = maximum intensity/6

I = maximum intensity * cos(theta)^2

maximum intensity/6 = maximum intensity * cos(theta)^2

cos(theta) = 1/sqrt(6)

theta = 66 degree

the angle should the second polarized sheet be rotated relative to the first is 66 degree

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.