Q146 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (21 Apr Shift 1) · Physics

Three polarised sheets are co-axially placed. Pass axis of polaroids 2 and 3 make $30^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ with pass axis of polaroid sheet. If $\mathrm{I}_0$ is the intensity of unpolarised light entering sheet 1 , the intensity of the emergent light through sheet 3 is $\left(\cos 30^{\circ}=\sqrt{3} / 2, \cos 90^{\circ}=0, \cos 60^{\circ}=1 / 2\right)$ Figure

  • A
    zero
  • Correct answer
    B
    $\frac{3 \mathrm{I}_0}{32}$
  • C
    $\frac{3 \mathrm{I}_0}{8}$
  • D
    $\frac{3 \mathrm{I}_0}{16}$

Solution

Intensity through three polarizers: unpolarized incident light of intensity $I_0$ becomes $\frac{I_0}{2}$ after the first polarizer due to averaging.

Light then polarized at $30^{\circ}$ relative to the second polarizer's axis transmits with intensity $I_2 = \frac{I_0}{2} \cos^2(30^{\circ}) = \frac{3I_0}{8}$.

The third polarizer is at $90^{\circ}$ to the first, hence $60^{\circ}$ to the second's axis, giving $I_3 = I_2 \cos^2(60^{\circ}) = \frac{3I_0}{8} \cdot \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3I_0}{32}$.

$\boxed{\frac{3I_0}{32}}$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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