Light Polarization at the Beach: Understanding Sunbathers' Vision

AI Thread Summary
Light at the beach is partially polarized due to reflections from sand and water, with a specific horizontal electric field component being 1.8 times the vertical component. When a sunbather wears polarizing sunglasses that eliminate the horizontal component, the fraction of light intensity that reaches their eyes can be calculated using the equation I = (I not)(cos squared theta). The discussion highlights the use of the Pythagorean theorem to determine total intensity and the application of Malus' Law for both scenarios. For part (b), the sunbather's position changes the angle of light relative to the sunglasses, requiring a slight adjustment in calculations. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



At a beach the light is generally partially polarized due to reflections off sand and water. At a particular beach on a particular day near sundown, the horizontal component of the electric field vector is 1.8 times the vertical component. A standing sunbather puts on polarizing sunglasses; the glasses eliminate the horizontal field component. (a) What fraction of the light intensity received before the glasses were put on now reaches the sunbather's eyes? (b) The sunbather, still wearing the glasses, lies on his side. What fraction of the light intensity received before the glasses were put on now reaches his eyes?

I'm really confused and I'm sure I am thinking too hard. Can anyone get me started?

I know there is an equation
I = (I not)(cos squared theta)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Use the Pythagorean theorem to add the component Intensities and find the angle and magnitude of the total intensity. Then find the angle between the intensity vector and the sunglasses. Then use Malus' Law.

Same applies for part b) with just a slight twist.
 

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