Question

An unpolarised beam of intensity \( I_0 \) is incident on a pair of nicols making an angle of \( 60^\circ \) with each other. The intensity of light emerging from the pair is

• A. \( I_0 \)
• B. \( I_0/2 \)
• C. \( I_0/4 \)
• D. \( I_0/8 \)

Hint:

When an unpolarized light passes through two polarizers at an angle, the intensity is reduced by half and then further reduced according to \( \cos^2 \theta \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Intensity Through Polarizers.
The intensity of light after passing through two polarizers is given by: \[ I = I_0 \cos^2 \theta \] where \( \theta = 60^\circ \) is the angle between the polarizers. The intensity after passing through both polarizers is: \[ I = \frac{I_0}{2}. \] Step 2: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B), \( I_0/2 \).