In this experiment, Malus’ Law of Polarization is verified by showing that the intensity of light passed through two polarizers depends on the square of the cosine of the angle between the two polarization axes.
Laser light (peak wavelength = 650 nm) is passed through two polarizers. As the second polarizer (the analyzer) is rotated by hand, the relative light intensity is recorded as a function of the angle between the axes of polarization of the two polarizers. The angle is obtained using a Rotary Motion Sensor coupled to the polarizer with a drive belt. The plot of light intensity vs. angle can be fitted to the square of the cosine of the angle.
PASCO Advantage: Laser light is used in this experiment because its wavelength is more completely extinguished by the crossed polarizers.
Designed for use with any of the following
- 850 Universal Interface
- 550 Universal Interface
- Any PASPORT interface with 2 ports
Concepts
- Measure the Zeeman Effect with polarization perpendicular and parallel to the field
- Observe the light along the magnet axis
- Calculate the value of the Bohr magneton
- Malus’ Law of Polarization
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