Polaroid sheets and the law of malus

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of unpolarised light as it passes through two Polaroid sheets, with the first sheet oriented horizontally and the second at an angle of 50 degrees. Participants are exploring the application of Malus's Law to determine the transmitted intensity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the transmitted intensity using Malus's Law, with one participant reporting a result of 47%. Others are questioning how this value was derived and discussing potential errors in calculations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and seeking clarification on the results. There is a sense of confusion regarding the use of degrees in calculations, and multiple interpretations of the results are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the correct application of angles in their calculations, specifically whether they are using degrees or radians, which may be affecting their results.

cuddlylover
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Unpolarised light passes through two Polaroid sheets. The axis of the rst is horizontal, and
that of the second is 50 above the?

Do i have this right. I am using law of malus I=I0 cos2θ

Im getting 47% but i don't know if that's right. If someone could help that would be awesome thanks.
 
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hi cuddlylover! :smile:
cuddlylover said:
Unpolarised light passes through two Polaroid sheets. The axis of the rst is horizontal, and that of the second is 50 above the?

how did you get 47% ?
 
(cos(50)^2)/2

Is that not right?
 
he he :biggrin:

press the "degrees" button! :wink:
 
28%?
 
now you've completely lost me :redface:

how did you get 28% ? :confused:
 
Me to lol i get the feeling that was not my degrees button i just hit :)
 

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