Finding Incident Intensity for Unpolarized Light

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of transmitted to incident intensity for unpolarized light passing through two Polaroid sheets at an angle of φ = 30°. The relevant equations used include Malus's Law, I = I0 cos²(θ), and the initial intensity reduction to I' = I0/2. The final calculation yields a transmitted intensity ratio of 9/16, confirming that the approach and application of the equations are correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Malus's Law in optics
  • Knowledge of intensity ratios in light transmission
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Basic principles of polarized light and its behavior through Polaroid filters
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  • Study the derivation and applications of Malus's Law in various optical scenarios
  • Explore the effects of different angles between Polaroid sheets on light intensity
  • Investigate the behavior of polarized light in different materials beyond Polaroid
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Homework Statement


Two sheets of Polaroid are placed on top of each other with an angle φ between their pass
directions. Calculate be the ratio of transmitted to incident intensity for initially unpolarised
light if φ = 30°.I copied the question exactly, I'm pretty sure that typo wasn't on purpose but I left it there anyway.

Homework Equations



I0 = I'/2

Malus's Law
I = I0 cos^2 θ

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the equation above to do:

= I0 cos^2(30)
cos^2(30)=.75
.75 x .75 = .5625 = 9/16
= I0(9/16)

not sure if that is right
 
Last edited:
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When the unpolarised light is transmitted through a Polaroid, 50% of light is transmitted. So I' = Io/2
When it passes through second Polaroid, the intensity of transmitted light is
I" = Io/2*cos^2(θ)
 

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