Final answer:
When three primary filters overlap, the effect on the light passing through them depends on the orientation of their axes. If the axes are parallel, all of the polarized light will pass through. If the axes are perpendicular, no light is passed. If the filters are at different angles, only the component of light parallel to their respective axes will pass through.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the three primary filters overlap, the resulting effect depends on the orientation of their axes. If the axes of the filters are parallel, all of the polarized light passed by the first filter is also passed by the second and third filters. If the axes of the filters are perpendicular, no light is passed by the second and third filters. If the second and third filters are rotated at different angles, only the component of the light parallel to their respective axes is passed.
For example, let's consider if the first filter polarizes the light vertically and the second filter is at a 45° angle to the first. When the axes are aligned, all vertically polarized light will pass through both filters. However, if the second filter is rotated to a perpendicular position, no light will pass through the second filter.