When unpolarized light of intensity I_0 passes through an ideal linear polarizer, what is the transmitted intensity?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. I_0 / 2
- Step 1: Unpolarized light contains equal electric field components in all transverse directions. Step 2. Averaging cos^2(theta) over 0 to 2pi gives 1/2, so transmitted intensity is I_0 / 2. Answer: I_0 / 2. Why not the others: I_0 implies no absorption; I_0 / 4 assumes two crossed polarizers at 45 deg; zero assumes crossed polarizers.
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