Question

Light that is polarized along the vertical direction is incident on a sheet of polarizing material. Only 76% of the intensity of the light passes through the sheet and strikes a second sheet of polarizing material. No light passes through the second sheet. What angle does the transmission axis of the second sheet make with the vertical? (Let the +y-axis represent the upward vertical direction. Express your answer as a value between 0° and 180°.) It wants the answer to be in terms of counter-clockwise from the +y-axis.

I have tried: 130.5, 131, 40.5, and 49.5

Answer 1

Here ,

let the first polarizer makes theta1 with the vertical

as I1 = Io * cos(theta)^2

0.76 * Io = Io * cos(theta1)^2

theta1 = 29.3 degree

Now , for the zero output from the second polarizer ,

the axis of first and second polarizer is 90 degree

theta2 = 29.3 + 90

theta2 = 119.3 degree

theta2 = 60.7 degree

he transmission axis of the second sheet make with the vertical = 119.3 degree and 60.7 degree