Chapter 27, Problem 47A

An ideal polarizing filter transmits 50% of the incident nonpolarized light. Why is this so?

To determine

The reason why an ideal polarizing filter transmits 50% of the incident nonpolarized light is to be explained.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The light wave has a transverse wave nature. The light wave particles are travel in horizontal as well as vertical directions to the direction of motion of the wave. The light particles are vibrating in the horizontal direction in a horizontally polarized light. Similarly, particles are vibrating in a vertical direction is vertically polarized light.

The ideal Polaroid is that type of Polaroid that will transmit 100% of the light’s components which are parallel to its polarization axes or absorb 100% of complete components that are perpendicular to its polarization axes. The unpolarized light has 50% components along the polarization axes and 50% perpendicular to the axes. The ideal Polaroid passes on the 50% of incident unpolarized light which is parallel to its polarization axes.

Conclusion:

The ideal Polaroid transmits 50% of the incident unpolariZed light because 50% light components are parallel to the polarization axes.