Unpolarized light of intensity 1 W/m2 passes through a vertical polarizing filte

Question

Unpolarized light of intensity 1 W/m2 passes through a vertical polarizing filter. The light then passes through a second polarizer whose axis 60 from the vertical. The light then passes through a third polarizer whose axis is horizontal.

What is the intensity of the transmitted light after passing through the horizontal polarizer? Assume that the polarizers are close enough to each other that the light's intensity changes only when passing through a polarizer and not as it travels between them.

Express your answer using three significant figures, and please include the proper unit.

Explanation / Answer

I1 = Io/2

I2 = I1*cos^2theta = Io/2 * cos^2(60)

I2 = 0.125 W/m^2

I3 = I2*cos^2(theta)

theta = 90 -60 = 30

I3 = 0.0938 W/m^2

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