Unpolarized light of intensity I is scattered from point A as shown. Find the intensity perceived by the observer at scattering angle θ.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Resolve the scattered radiation into two perpendicular polarization components. The component perpendicular to the scattering plane contributes I/2, while the component in the scattering plane contributes (I/2)sin²θ in the shown geometry. Thus Iₒᵦₛ=I/2+(I/2)sin²θ. Option C.