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? Express your answer using two significant figures. Part B By what angle should the second polarized sheet be rotated relative to the first to reduce the transmitted intensity to one-third the intensity that was transmitted through both polarizing sheets when aligned? Express your answer using two significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

I = I0 (cos@)^2

for polarized light passing through polarizer.

for second polarizer.

A) I = I0/2

I0/2 = I0 (cos@)^2

@ = 45 deg

B) now I = I0 /3

I0/3 = I0 (cos@)^2

cos@ = 1/sqrt(3)

@ = 54.7 deg

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