An unpolarized light beam with an initial intensity of 80\text{ W/m}^2 passes through an i… — JAMB UTME

An unpolarized light beam with an initial intensity of $80\text{ W/m}^2$ passes through an ideal linear polarizer. What is the intensity of the transmitted light in $\text{W/m}^2$ ?

Answer: 40 W/m²

Answer

The intensity of the transmitted light is

40\text{ W/m}^2

When unpolarized light of initial intensity

I_0

encounters an ideal linear polarizing filter, the transmitted intensity

I

is always equal to half of the incident intensity (

I = \frac{1}{2}I_0

). Substituting

80\text{ W/m}^2

gives

I = 40\text{ W/m}^2

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the fraction of unpolarized light intensity transmitted by a polarizer.

Transmitted intensity formula

I = \frac{1}{2} I_0

Unpolarized light consists of randomly oriented electric field vectors, resulting in an average transmission factor of one-half.

Substitute the incident intensity value into the formula.

I = \frac{80}{2} = 40\text{ W/m}^2

Direct mathematical calculation.

Key Concept

Polarization and intensity reduction of unpolarized light upon passing through a linear polarizer.

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