How Do Meters, Kelvins, and Watts Relate in This Equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between units in the equation L = σT⁴ * 4πR², specifically focusing on how meters, Kelvins, and Watts interact within this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the units involved in the Stefan-Boltzmann constant (σ) and question how to properly combine or cancel the units to arrive at Watts. There is a suggestion to investigate the units of σ further.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the unit relationships and have identified the need to clarify the units of the Stefan-Boltzmann constant. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of σ, and there is an acknowledgment of the misunderstanding regarding its units.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster is working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements for unit analysis and understanding.

tony873004
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Units -- Watts, meters & Kelvin

I have an equation:
[tex]L = \sigma T^{4} * 4 \pi R^{2}[/tex]

Which I fill with values and units
[tex]L=5.67*10^{-8} * (5860K)^{4} * 4 \pi * (6.96*10^{8}m)^{2}[/tex]

and I get an answer:

[tex]4.07*10^{26} K^{4} m^{2}[/tex]

The correct answer is:

[tex]4.07*10^{26} watts[/tex]

I don't understand the relationship between meters, Kelvins, and Watts. How do I properly combine or cancel the units to arrive at Watts?
 
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Investigate the units on your [itex]\sigma[/itex]
 
Integral said:
Investigate the units on your [itex]\sigma[/itex]
I was thinking the answer might lie there, but that might be a unitless constant. I think there is a Kelvin meter relationship that yields watts.
 
Thank you. I get it now. You're both right. It does have units :redface:
 

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