Which of the following best describes how an ideal polarizing filter affects an…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics
Problem
Which of the following best describes how an ideal polarizing filter affects an incident beam of unpolarized light?
(a) It transmits all of the incident intensity while forcing the electric field to oscillate in a single plane.
(b) It transmits exactly one-half of the incident intensity and forces the transmitted electric field to oscillate in a single plane.
(c) It blocks the light completely because unpolarized light cannot pass through a polarizer.
(d) It transmits exactly one-half of the incident intensity while leaving the light unpolarized.