Light of intensity S₀ that is polarized horizontally passes through three ideal polarizers. The first and third are horizontal, but the second one is oriented at 0.39270 $\text{rad}$ to the horizontal. In terms of S₀, the intensity of the light that passes through the set of polarizers is closest to which one of the following choices? A) 0.729 S₀ B) 0.125 S₀ C) 0.427 S₀ D) 0.854 S₀

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of the light that passes through the set of polarizers is given by:$$I = S_0 \cos^2 \theta_1 \cos^2 \theta_2 \cos^2 \theta_3$$where $\theta_1$, $\theta_2$, and $\theta_3$ are the angles between the polarization axis of the light and the transmission axes of the first, second, and third polarizers, respectively.In this case, $\theta_1 = 0$, $\theta_2 = 0.39270 \text{rad}$, and $\theta_3 = 0$. Therefore,$$I = S_0 \cos^2 (0.39270 \text{rad}) = S_0 (0.729) = 0.729 S_0$$Therefore, the intensity of the light that passes through the set of polarizers is closest to 0.729 S₀.

Light of Intensity S0 That Is Polarized Horizontally Passes Through rad\text{rad}rad

Light of Intensity S₀ That Is Polarized Horizontally Passes Through $\text{rad}$