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Date May 2014 Marks available 1 Reference code 14M.1.HL.TZ1.20
Level Higher level Paper Paper 1 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Question number 20 Adapted from N/A

Question

Unpolarized light of intensity \({I_0}\) is incident on a polarizer that has a vertical transmission axis.

The polarizer is rotated by an angle θ about the direction of the incident light. The intensity of the transmitted light is \(I\). Which graph correctly shows the variation with the angle θ of the ratio \(\frac{I}{{{I_0}}}\)?

Markscheme

D

Examiners report

It would seem that candidates had not read this question carefully and were trying to remember similar past questions. The incoming light is unpolarized, hence B and C must be incorrect. As the polarizer will reduce the intensity, A must also be incorrect.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 4: Waves » 4.3 – Wave characteristics
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