Question:

The percentage decrease in the intensity of polarized light when it is passed through an analyser at an angle of \(60^\circ\) is

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For polarized light passing through an analyser, \[ I=I_0\cos^2\theta. \] At \[ \theta=60^\circ, \] \[ I=\frac{I_0}{4}. \] So \(25\%\) is transmitted and \(75\%\) is lost.
Updated On: Jul 29, 2026
  • \(25\%\)
  • \(50\%\)
  • \(75\%\)
  • \(60\%\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: According to Malus' Law, \[ I=I_0\cos^2\theta, \] where \[ I_0=\text{incident intensity}, \qquad I=\text{transmitted intensity}, \] and \(\theta\) is the angle between the transmission axes of the polarizer and analyser.

Step 1: Apply Malus' Law for \(\theta=60^\circ\). \[ I = I_0\cos^2 60^\circ. \] \[ = I_0\left(\frac12\right)^2. \] \[ = \frac{I_0}{4}. \] Thus, only \[ 25\% \] of the original intensity is transmitted.

Step 2: Calculate the percentage decrease in intensity. Decrease in intensity: \[ I_0-I = I_0-\frac{I_0}{4}. \] \[ = \frac{3I_0}{4}. \] Therefore, \[ \text{Percentage decrease} = \frac{\frac{3I_0}{4}}{I_0}\times100. \] \[ = 75\%. \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Percentage decrease}=75\%} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Answer = (C)}} \]
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