Unpolarized light of intensity is incident on a system of two polarizers, A followed by B

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics

Problem

Unpolarized light of intensity

I

is incident on a system of two polarizers, A followed by B. The intensity of emergent light is

I/2

. If a third polarizer C is placed between A and B, the intensity of emergent light is reduced to

I/3

. The angle between the polarizers A and C is

\theta

. Then (1)

\cos \theta = \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^{1/4}

(2)

\cos \theta = \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^{1/4}

(3)

\cos \theta = \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^{1/2}

(4)

\cos \theta = \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^{1/2}