Question

Unpolarized light of intensity 30 W/cm2 is incident on a linear polarizer set at the polarizing angle θ1 = 22 ∘. The emerging light then passes through a second polarizer that is set at the polarizing angle θ2 = 162 ∘. Note that both polarizing angles are measured from the vertical. What is the intensity of the light that emerges from the second polarizer?

Answer 1

I₂ = 8.80 W/cm²

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this exercise we need to apply the Malus's law.

First, when the light gors through the first polarizer which is linear, intensity is always cut in half, therefore:

I₁ = I / 2 (1).

Applying this, we have:

I₁ = 30 / 2 = 15 W/cm²

Now, we can calculate the intensity of the light, after it passes through the second polarizer. The Law of Malus states that light intensity will be:

I₂ = I cos²Ф (2)

Where Ф, is the difference between the angle of the first polarizer and the second. In this way we have:

Ф = α - β

Ф = 162 - 22 = 140°

Now, applying Malus's law we have:

I₂ = 15 cos²140°

I₂ = 8.80 W/cm²

Hope this helps