Trying to Determine if Proper Illumination is Provided

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shag-X
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the amount of illumination provided in a specific space using a formula related to light intensity. Participants are exploring the application of the equation in a practical context, particularly in relation to emergency lighting requirements in a theater setting.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation for calculating illumination based on wattage and distance, specifically noting that c = 5.4 watts and providing distances in feet.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using consistent units and clarifies that the distances provided are indeed in feet, questioning the interpretation of the variable "(ft)".
  • Clarification is sought regarding the units for illumination results, with one participant confirming that they are measured in ft-candles (lux).
  • Participants discuss the requirements for emergency lighting, specifying minimum illumination levels needed for safety.
  • A participant shares a numerical attempt at solving the problem, yielding a result of .00088785, but expresses uncertainty about its correctness.
  • There is a query regarding how to convert from Watts per square foot to ft-candles, indicating a need for further understanding of unit conversion in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarity in units and the context of the problem, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the numerical solution or the conversion process. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the final calculations and conversions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps involved in the calculations, and there is uncertainty regarding the conversion between different units of illumination.

Shag-X
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Can someone help me solve the following? I trying to determine how much illumination is applied to a given space based on the following equation. I have no math solving abilities whatsoever.

Homework Equations



Where c = 5.4 watts

Where ft = Problem 1: 22; Problem 2: 27; Problem 3: 30

(c) / (4*π*distance (ft) ^2)


The Attempt at a Solution



Tried to use a science calculator - Multiplied 4 x pi x the distance. Couldn't figure out how to multiply in the caret 2.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Shag-X said:

Homework Statement



Can someone help me solve the following? I trying to determine how much illumination is applied to a given space based on the following equation. I have no math solving abilities whatsoever.

Homework Equations



Where c = 5.4 watts

Where ft = Problem 1: 22; Problem 2: 27; Problem 3: 30

(c) / (4*π*distance (ft) ^2)


The Attempt at a Solution



Tried to use a science calculator - Multiplied 4 x pi x the distance. Couldn't figure out how to multiply in the caret 2.

Welcome to the PF.

First, you need to be careful to work in consistent systems of units. When you typed distance (ft), is that meant to say that the units of the distance are in feet? Farther up in the problem you assigned values to "(ft)", which doesn't make sense if that's just the units of "distance".

And what are the units of the 3 distances? Feet? Like:

1) distance = 22 feet
2) distance = 27 feet
3) distance = 30 feet

And do you know what the units are for the illumination results that you are trying to calculate? The way the equation is set up now (assuming I've interpreted your use of "(ft)" right), you would get a result in Watts/Square Feet.

And finally, the "^2" is not something you multiply by. It represents the "squared" operator. Like, 10^2 = 10*10 = 100.
 
1. When you typed distance (ft), is that meant to say that the units of the distance are in feet?

Answer 1: Yes. (ft) is the distance, in feet, that the area to be illuminated is from the light
source.

2. What are the units of the 3 distances?

Answer 2: Yes. The units of the three distances are feet. The area is a gradually riser theater
floor, with aisles that are required to be illuminated along their entire length.

3. What are the units for the illumination results?

Answer 3: The units for the illumination results are ft-candle (lux).

Here is the requirement:

Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than
an average of 1 ft-candle (10.8 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.1 ft-candle (1.1 lux),
measured along the path of egress at floor level.

Made an attempt at solving and came up with - .00088785. But, I don't think that correct.

Thank you,
 
Last edited:
Shag-X said:
1. When you typed distance (ft), is that meant to say that the units of the distance are in feet?

Answer 1: Yes. (ft) is the distance, in feet, that the area to be illuminated is from the light
source.

2. What are the units of the 3 distances?

Answer 2: Yes. The units of the three distances are feet. The area is a gradually riser theater
floor, with aisles that are required to be illuminated along their entire length.

3. What are the units for the illumination results?

Answer 3: The units for the illumination results are ft-candle (lux).

Here is the requirement:

Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than
an average of 1 ft-candle (10.8 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.1 ft-candle (1.1 lux),
measured along the path of egress at floor level.

Made an attempt at solving and came up with - .00088785. But, I don't think that correct.

Thank you,

How does one convert from Watts per square foot to ft-candles?
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K