Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 29 - Think and Explain - Page 560-561: 53

Answer

See below.

Work Step by Step

If the incoming polarized light is polarized, say, horizontally, and the filter's transmission axis is also oriented horizontally, all the light gets through. On the other hand, if the filter is aligned perpendicular to the polarization of the light, i.e., vertically, none of the light gets through. At angles in between, a fraction (varying from 0-100 percent) of the light gets through. The polarized light can be "resolved" (like a vector) into horizontal and vertical components. This is discussed on pages 555-556. Figure 29.32, an analogy with ropes passing through a pair of picket fences, is helpful in understanding this concept.
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