Q62PP - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

First, light with a plane of polarization at 45° to the horizontal shines on the insect. Which statement is true about the two types of cells?

(a) Both types detect this light. 

(b) Neither type detects this light. 

(c) Only type H detects the light. 

(d) Only type V detects the light.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(b) Both types detect the light.

Step 1: About Polarizers.

We have two polarizers, one polarizer is the vertical (type V) and the other polarizer the horizontal (type H). Both of them are perpendicular to each other. If a polarized light with an angle 45 shines the cells, both of them will detect the light. The reason is light with an angle 45 has two components x and y. The component x will be detected by the type H while the component y will be detached by the type V. 

Step 2: Conclusion

Hence both types detect the light.