NEET2026PhysicsChapterActual
An unpolarized light beam of initial intensity I₀ travels along an optical axis and passes through three polarizing filters P₁ , P₂ , and P₃ arranged in series, as shown in the figure. The transmission axis of P₁ is vertical, while the transmission axis of P₃ is horizontal (crossed with respect to P₁ ). The transmission axis of the middle filter P₂ is oriented at an angle of 60^ with respect to the vertical. What is
Options
- A3I₀ 16
- B3I₀ 32
- CI₀ 32
- D0
Correct answer
B. 3I₀ 32
Step-by-step solution
When unpolarized light of intensity I₀ passes through the first polarizer P₁ , the intensity of the transmitted light becomes half: I₁ = I₀ 2 This light is vertically polarized. It then passes through the second polarizer P₂ , whose transmission axis is at an angle of 60^ with respect to the vertical. According to Malus's law, the intensity of light transmitted through P₂ is: I₂ = I₁ ^2(60^ ) = I₀ 2 ( 1 2 )^2 = I₀ 8 The light emerging from P₂ is polarized at an angle of 60^ to the vertical. The third polarizer P₃ h