Question

Unpolarized light with an average intensity of 845 W/m2 moves along the x-axis when it enters a Polarizer A with a vertical transmission axis (along the y-axis). The transmitted light then enters a second polarizer, B at an angle in the y-z plane . The light that exits the second polarizer is found to have an average intensity of 275 W/m2. What is the orientation angle of the second polarizer (B) relative to the first one (A)

Answer 1

θ = 36.2º

Step-by-step explanation:

When light passes through a polarizer it becomes polarized and if it then passes through a second polarizer, it must comply with Malus's law

I = I₀ cos² tea

The non-polarized light between the first polarized of this leaves half the intensity, with vertical polarization

I₁ = I₀ / 2

I₁ = 845/2

I₁ = 422.5 W / m²

In this case, the incident light in the second polarizer has an intensity of I₁ = 422.5 W / m² and the light that passes through the polarizer has a value of

I = 275 W / m ²

Cos² θ = I / I₁

Cos θ = √ I / I₁

Cos θ = √ (275 / 422.5)

Cos θ = 0.80678

θ = cos⁻¹ 0.80678

θ = 36.2º

This is the angle between the two polarizers