During the 4th quarter project, I have had students rig up a rotational motion sensor and a set of polarizing films with the light intensity sensor resting on the bottom polarizer. When the intensity of light is graphed with respect to the angle, the Law of Malus is confirmed. This is an innovative use of the rotary motion sensor, that is able to be used with the TI-Nspire shown by using a Lab Cradle. This could also be done by using the USB cord and plugging the TI-Lab Cradle into a computer that has the TI-Nspire software.
A rubber band is connected to the Vernier rotary motion sensor a the cut plastic water bottle as shown below. The portion of the water bottle rests nicely on a ring stand.
An incandescent lamp or flashlight above the top polarizer was used in a darkened room.
