Homework Help: Physics

Posted by Bruce on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:12pm.

There are two polarizing filters that are out of alignment by 30 degrees. If the light of intensity 1.00 W/m^2 and initially polarized half-way between the two filters passes through the two filters, what is the intensity of the transmitted light?

I know the answer is 0.700 W/m^2, but I have no clue how to find that answer.
Thank you for any help!

Physics - drwls, Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:33pm
The fraction that gets through the first fiter is (cos15)^2 = 0.9330

The fraction of that which gets through the second filter is (cos30)^2 = 0.7500

Now take the product.

Actually, sheet polarizing "Polaroid" films lose even more than that, due to absorption.
Physics - Bruce, Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 9:31am
The intensity of the light isn't halved after it passes through each filter? Thats what I don't understand.
Thank you for your help!

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