The discussion revolves around the behavior of unpolarized light passing through two polarizers and the relationship between the intensity of light and the angle between the polarizers. Participants are exploring how to determine the relative angle when the intensity of light exiting the second polarizer is a quarter of the initial intensity.
Some participants have provided equations related to the intensity of light through polarizers, while others express a desire for further clarification on the underlying principles. There is an acknowledgment of the equations presented, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretation or application of these equations.
Participants are discussing the implications of the intensity values given and questioning the assumptions related to the behavior of light through polarizers. There is a mention of the need for relevant equations, indicating a potential gap in information.
tica86 said:A beam of unpolarized light, with intensity I0, goes through two polarizers. If the intensity of the light coming out of the second polarizer is 1/4 I0 what is the relative angle between the two polarizers??
----I know the answer is 45 degrees---
but if anyone could explain how?? Thanks!
berkeman said:can you post the relevant equations? Is it a linear relationship between crossed polarizers and intensity, or does it follow a different relationship?
tica86 said:i1=1/2i0
i2=1/4i0
berkeman said:Well okay then. We're all done here. That makes everything obvious. Thanks.