Solution
Related Formula
I = Iincident ² θ (Malus's Law)Core Logic
When unpolarised light of intensity I₀ passes through the first polaroid A, it becomes plane-polarised, and its intensity drops by exactly half.
I₁ = (I₀)/(2)When this polarised light passes through the second polaroid B, the transmitted intensity is determined by Malus's Law.
Step 1: Apply Malus's Law
The angle between the principal planes of polaroids A and B is θ = 45^°.
I₂ = I₁ ²(45^°) I₂ = ((I₀)/(2)) ( 1√(2))² I₂ = (I₀)/(2) × (1)/(2) = (I₀)/(4)Pattern Recognition
Unpolarised to Polarised arrow I₀/2. Polarised to Polarised arrow I ²θ. At θ = 45^°, ²θ = 1/2, resulting in a final intensity of I₀/4.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Wave Optics