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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
In a system of two crossed polarisers, it is found that the intensity of light from the second
polariser is half from that of first polariser. The angle between their pass axes is
PhysicsWave OpticsKCETKCET 2017
Options:
  • A \( 45^{\circ} \)
  • B \( 60^{\circ} \)
  • C \( 30^{\circ} \)
  • D \( 0^{\circ} \)
Solution:
2043 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: \( 45^{\circ} \)
By Malus Law, we have
\[
I=I_{0} \cos \theta
\]
Given, intensity of light from second polariser is half of that from the first polariser, so
\[
\begin{array}{l}
\Rightarrow \frac{I_{0}}{2}=I_{0} \cos ^{2} \theta \\
\Rightarrow \cos ^{2} \theta=\frac{1}{2} \\
\Rightarrow \cos \theta=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \\
\Rightarrow \theta=\cos ^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right) \\
\Rightarrow \theta=45^{\circ}
\end{array}
\]
Therefore, angle between the pass axes of polarisers is \( 45^{\circ} \).

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