Question

When unpolarized light is passed through a polarizer its intensity

• A. There is no effect on the unpolarized light.
• B. The intensity of the unpolarized light increases.
• C. The intensity of the unpolarized light decreases.
• D. The intensity of the unpolarized light becomes zero.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

The intensity of the unpolarized light decreases.

1. According to Malu's law, the intensity of the light which is unpolarized, when passed through a polarizer is reduced by a factor of 1/2 .
2. Malu's law shows the relationship that is written as: $I=I_0{\cos }^2{\theta }_i$ where$I_0$ is the initial intensity and ${\theta }_i$ is the angle between the light’s initial polarization direction and the axis of the polarizer.

Hence, option (C) is the right answer.