Polarization of Light
Physics ⇒ Light and Optics
Polarization of Light starts at 11 and continues till grade 12.
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A beam of unpolarized light passes through two polaroids. The first is fixed, and the second is rotated by 45° with respect to the first. What is the intensity of the transmitted light as a fraction of the original?
A student observes that the intensity of light passing through two polaroids is zero. What is the angle between their transmission axes?
According to Malus’s law, if the angle between the transmission axes of the polarizer and analyzer is 60°, what fraction of the original intensity is transmitted?
Describe how a polaroid filter works to polarize light.
Describe the difference between ordinary and extraordinary rays in double refraction.
Explain the difference between plane polarized light and unpolarized light.
Explain why polaroid sunglasses are effective at reducing glare from horizontal surfaces.
Explain why the reflected light from a water surface appears partially polarized.
If the intensity of polarized light after passing through an analyzer is one-fourth of the initial intensity, what is the angle between the polarizer and analyzer?
If the intensity of unpolarized light incident on a polaroid is I0, what is the intensity of the transmitted light?
If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, calculate the Brewster angle for light incident from air.
If the transmission axis of a polaroid is vertical, which component of the electric field will be transmitted?
Name two natural phenomena where polarization of light is observed.
State Brewster’s law and write its mathematical expression.
A beam of plane-polarized light of intensity I0 passes through three polaroids. The first and third polaroids have their transmission axes parallel, while the second is placed between them at an angle θ to the first. Derive an expression for the final transmitted intensity in terms of I0 and θ.
A beam of unpolarized light of intensity I0 passes through two ideal polaroids. The first polaroid has its axis vertical, and the second is at an angle θ to the vertical. If the transmitted intensity after the second polaroid is I2, derive the value of θ if I2 = I0/8.
A polaroid is rotated continuously in a beam of plane-polarized light. Describe and explain the variation in the intensity of transmitted light as a function of the angle of rotation.
A ray of unpolarized light is incident on a surface at an angle such that the reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular to each other. If the refractive index of the medium is μ, express the angle of incidence in terms of μ.
A scientist uses a polarimeter to analyze a solution of sugar. Explain how the rotation of the plane of polarization can be used to determine the concentration of sugar in the solution.
Explain why longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in air, cannot be polarized, while transverse waves like light can be polarized.
