Question: Consider three polarizing filters oriented as shown in Figure P23.57. A beam of unpolarized light is directed through the three filters. The first filter has
Consider three polarizing filters oriented as shown in Figure P23.57. A beam of unpolarized light is directed through the three filters. The first filter has a polarization axis along the vertical, the second has its polarization axis rotated at an angle of 45° from the vertical, and the third has its axis along the horizontal.
(a) What fraction of the light intensity comes out of the third filter?
(b) What fraction makes it through the system if the middle filter is removed?
(c) Explain how removing a filter can result in less light transmitted. What if the first or third filter were removed instead of the middle filter? Does the result change? Explain.

Polarizer - Transmission axis Polarizer 2 45 Polarizer 3 Figure P23.57
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We can use Maluss law to determine the fraction of transmitted light through polarizers Refer to Fig... View full answer
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