Low cost experiment for optical physics teaching: the case of the Malus Law

This article presents the realization of a low-cost experiment, using only everyday objects to verify the light polarization property. The objective is to facilitate the practice of experimentation in the science teaching in a context of low investment in public school infrastructure or even emergency remote teaching. With materials present in idle electronic devices and the use of free apps and software, this article shows that it is possible to verify Malus’ Law, which relates the angle between a polarizer and the polarization direction of an incident light and the intensity of the transmitted light. This experiment allows a practical approach to basic education optics content, also enables the study of the functioning and use of digital devices and apps.

Keywords:
Low cost materials; Physics Teaching; Experimentation; Optics; Malus’ Law