light polarized in the x direction shines through two polarizing sheets. the fir

Question

light polarized in the x direction shines through two polarizing sheets. the first sheet's transmission axis makes an angle (theta) with the x-axis and the transmission axis of the second is paralell to the y-axis.

(a) if the incident light has an intesity (I) , what is the intensity of the light transmitted through the second sheet?

(b) At what angle (theta) is transmitted intensity maximum? (hint for both questions: use trig identities 2cos(theta)sin(theta) equals sin2(theta) and cos(90 - (theta)) = sin (theta)

Thanks!! Please describe how you get your answers as I am confused at the solution I already have.

Explanation / Answer

a) I1 = I*cos(theta)^2

I2 = I1*cos( 90 - theta)^2 = I*cos(theta)^2 sin(theta)^2

b) use cos theta sin theta = sin( 2 theta)/2

I2 = I/4* sin(2 theta)^2

so max when 2 theta = 90

so theta = 45 degrees

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