Unpolarized light with an intensity of I₀ is traveling in the + x direction. The light is incident on a polarizer whose axis is aligned along the y axis. The light that passes through the polarizer has an intensity that is A) (1/2)I₀ with a polarization along the z axis. B) (1/2)I₀ with a polarization along the y axis. C) I₀ with a polarization along the z axis. D) I₀ with a polarization along the y axis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When unpolarized light passes through a polarizer, its intensity is reduced to half of the original intensity, and it becomes polarized along the axis of the polarizer. Since the polarizer's axis is aligned along the y-axis, the light that passes through will have an intensity of (1/2)I₀ and will be polarized along the y-axis.

Unpolarized Light with an Intensity of I0 Is Traveling in the

Unpolarized Light with an Intensity of I₀ Is Traveling in the