Thread Closed

three polarizers

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Dec10-06, 01:36 AM   #1
 

three polarizers


Polarizers 1 and 3 have their axes of polarization, indicated by the black solid lines, perpendicular to each other. If you try to shine light through only the combination of 1 and 3, you will find that none passes through. However, now we put in another polarizer (number 2 in the figure) between number 1 and number 3. This polarizer has an axes of polarization that has an angle of θ = 71° with respect to the polarization axes of polarizer 1. Surprisingly, now some light passes through the combination 1+2+3. What percentage of the initial (unpolarized) light intensity passes through?


The light passing through the
first polarizer should be 0.5I(nought). The light passing
through the second polarizer should be
0.5I(nought)*cos^2(angle given). The light passing through
the third polarizer should be the previous answer times
cos^2(angle between axes 2 and 3...)

My answer is not coming out right...Any suggestions of what
I may be doing wrong?
 
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
science news on PhysOrg.com

>> Front-row seats to climate change
>> Attacking MRSA with metals from antibacterial clays
>> New formula invented for microscope viewing, substitutes for federally controlled drug
Dec10-06, 12:42 PM   #2
 
Mentor
Are you using 71 degrees for the first angle and 90-71 degrees for the second angle?
 
Thread Closed
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: three polarizers
Thread Forum Replies
polarizers spectrum selectivity Quantum Physics 2
Intensity of Light by Polarizers Introductory Physics Homework 5
Re: Polarization with three 45 degree polarizers Advanced Physics Homework 1
Polarizers General Physics 2