The complete solution for verifying Malus’ Law of Polarization.
- 1x Polarization Analyzer
- 1x Optics Bench, 60 cm
- 1x Red Diode Laser
- 1x PASPORT High Sensitivity Light Sensor
- 1x PASPORT Rotary Motion Sensor
See the Buying Guide for this item's required, recommended, and additional accessories.
Product Summary
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
- Malus’ Law of Polarization
What's Included
Data Collection Software
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Interface Required
This product requires a PASCO Interface to connect to your computer or device. We recommend the following option(s). For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide »
Buying Guide
| Required Accessories | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1x PASCO Capstone Software | -- | -- |
| Requires One Of These | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 850 Universal Interface | UI-5000 | -- |
| 550 Universal Interface | UI-5001 | -- |
Product Guides & Articles
Optics System Guide
Our expandable optics system provides everything you need to perform high-quality investigations in any physics lab. Introduce students to the fundamentals of optics with our comprehensive Basic Optics System; then build on the basics with a variety of optics accessories that support detailed studies of color, interference and diffraction, polarization, and more.
Experiments
| Polarization of Light Experiment | English | 26.20 MB |
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the Polarization Experiment.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
Polarization of Light
Laser light 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....
Support Documents
| Manuals | ||
|---|---|---|
| PASPORT Rotary Motion Sensor | Russian - 593.51 KB | |
| Basic Optics Green Diode Laser Manual | English - 203.76 KB | |
| Basic Optics Red Diode Laser Manual | English - 314.81 KB | |
| PASPORT High Sensitivity Light Sensor Manual | English - 152.82 KB | |
| PASPORT Rotary Motion Sensor Manual | English - 588.17 KB | |
| Polarization Analyzer Basic Optics Manual | English - 1.31 MB | |
| Knowledge Base | ||
| Changing sensors associated with Capstone Workbooks | Oct 21st, 2022 | |
