How does light behave when passing through a polarizing filter?

When light passes through a polarizing filter, its behavior changes based on the orientation of the light waves and the filter:

1. Unpolarized Light: Natural light consists of waves vibrating in many different directions perpendicular to the direction of travel. This is called unpolarized light.
2. Polarizing Filter Action: A polarizing filter allows only light waves vibrating in a specific direction (its polarization axis) to pass through. It blocks waves vibrating in other directions.
3. Resulting Light: After passing through the filter, the light is polarized, meaning the waves vibrate mostly along one plane or direction.
4. Intensity Reduction: Because the filter blocks some wave orientations, the intensity (brightness) of the transmitted light is reduced compared to the original unpolarized light.
5. If Already Polarized Light: If the incoming light is already polarized, the filter will transmit more or less light depending on the angle between the light’s polarization direction and the filter’s axis. Maximum transmission occurs when both align; minimum transmission when they are perpendicular.