Question:

An unpolarized light of certain intensity passes through a combination of two polarizers whose transmission axes are at \(30^\circ\) and \(90^\circ\), respectively, with respect to the horizontal axis. A third polarizer with its transmission axis at \(60^\circ\) with the horizontal axis is placed between the two existing polarizers. The ratio of the output intensities with and without the third polarizer is:

Updated On: Apr 10, 2026
  • 3/4
  • 4/3
  • 9/4
  • 4/9
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When unpolarized light passes through a polarizer, its intensity is reduced to half. When polarized light passes through subsequent polarizers, the intensity is governed by Malus' Law, which states that the transmitted intensity is proportional to the square of the cosine of the angle between the transmission axes.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Intensity after first polarizer: \( I_1 = \frac{I_0}{2} \).
2. Malus' Law: \( I = I_{\text{incident}} \cos^2 \theta \).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let the initial intensity of unpolarized light be \( I_0 \). After the first polarizer at \( 30^\circ \), intensity is \( I_1 = \frac{I_0}{2} \).
Case 1: Without the third polarizer:
Angle between the axes of the two polarizers is \( \Delta \theta = 90^\circ - 30^\circ = 60^\circ \).
Output intensity \( I_{\text{without}} = I_1 \cos^2(60^\circ) = \frac{I_0}{2} \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^2 = \frac{I_0}{8} \).
Case 2: With the third polarizer at \( 60^\circ \) in between:
Step i: Light passes from \( 30^\circ \) to \( 60^\circ \) polarizer. Angle diff = \( 30^\circ \).
\( I_2 = I_1 \cos^2(30^\circ) = \frac{I_0}{2} \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right)^2 = \frac{3I_0}{8} \).
Step ii: Light passes from \( 60^\circ \) to \( 90^\circ \) polarizer. Angle diff = \( 30^\circ \).
\( I_{\text{with}} = I_2 \cos^2(30^\circ) = \frac{3I_0}{8} \times \frac{3}{4} = \frac{9I_0}{32} \).
Calculating the Ratio:
Ratio = \( \frac{I_{\text{with}}}{I_{\text{without}}} = \frac{9I_0/32}{I_0/8} = \frac{9}{32} \times \frac{8}{1} = \frac{9}{4} \).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The ratio of the output intensities with and without the third polarizer is 9/4.
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