Physics

Malus Law Calculator

Find the intensity of polarized light through a polarizer.

Parameters Live Compute
Calculated Output
Transmitted intensity (W/m²) 75
Formula: I = I₀·cos²θ
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Values used:
2. Incident intensity = 100 W/m²
3. Angle between axes = 30 °
4.
5. Transmitted intensity = 75W/m²
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Malus's law gives how much polarized light passes through a polarizer at an angle.

The math behind it

I = I₀·cos²θ, where θ is the angle between the light's polarization and the polarizer axis.

Worked Example

100 W/m² at 30° → 75 W/m².

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at 90°?

cos²90° = 0, so no light gets through (crossed polarizers).

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