Which of the following expressions is correct for the transmitted intensity of an unpolarized beam of light with an intensity I_i passing through a polarizer? A) I_t = I_i B) I_t = (1/2) I_i C) I_t = (1/4) I_i D) I_t = 2 I_i E) I_t = 4 I_i

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an unpolarized beam of light passes through a polarizer, only half of the intensity is transmitted through the polarizer. This can be understood by considering that an unpolarized beam of light consists of light waves vibrating in all possible planes perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The polarizer only transmits the component of the light that vibrates in the direction of its transmission axis. Therefore, the correct expression for the transmitted intensity of an unpolarized beam of light with an intensity I_i passing through a polarizer is: I_t = (1/2) I_i

Which of the Following Expressions Is Correct for the Transmitted