Unpolarized light of intensity I₀ is incident on an ideal polarizer. An ideal analyser is placed after it with its transmission axis making an angle of 60° with the transmission axis of the first polarizer. What is the final transmitted intensity?
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Question

Unpolarized light of intensity I₀ is incident on an ideal polarizer. An ideal analyser is placed after it with its transmission axis making an angle of 60° with the transmission axis of the first polarizer. What is the final transmitted intensity?

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Unpolarized light loses half of its intensity after passing through the first ideal polarizer: I₁ = I₀ ÷ 2. The analyser axis makes an angle θ = 60° with the polarization direction of the light emerging from the first polarizer. By Malus' law, I₂ = I₁ cos²θ. Therefore, I₂ = (I₀ ÷ 2) cos²60° = (I₀ ÷ 2)(1 ÷ 2)² = I₀ ÷ 8. Correct option: C.