A beam of unpolarised light of intensity I₀ is passed through a polaroid X, then through another polaroid Y oriented at 60°, and finally through another polaroid Z oriented at 45° relative to Y as shown. The intensity of emerging light is:
Options

Question

A beam of unpolarised light of intensity I₀ is passed through a polaroid X, then through another polaroid Y oriented at 60°, and finally through another polaroid Z oriented at 45° relative to Y as shown. The intensity of emerging light is:

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: First polaroid transmits I₁ = I₀/2 from unpolarised light. Step 2: Malus law at Y: I₂ = I₁ cos²60° = (I₀/2)(1/4) = I₀/8. Step 3: At Z, angle 45° to Y: I₃ = I₂ cos²45° = (I₀/8)(1/2) = I₀/16. Final answer: (A) I₀/16.