How far from the lightbulb can you stand to see it? photon problem

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving calculating the distance from a light bulb to a pupil based on the number of photons per square meter. The equation E=hf is mentioned and the problem is explored through finding the number of photons per square meter at a certain distance and equating it to a given value. The solution involves solving for the radius R.
  • #1
okgo
61
0

Homework Statement



http://www.screencast.com/users/trinhn812/folders/Jing/media/23298f1b-2ef4-4cdf-8b7a-58c9be07335a

Homework Equations


E=hf


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not even sure how to get the distance for this problem.
 
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  • #2
Looks like an interesting problem, okgo.
And you have a good start.
Those photons are spread over the surface area of a sphere at distance R from the light bulb. You should be able to write an expression for the number of photons per square meter at radius R. Equate that to the specified 20 per (area of pupil).
Then you can solve for R.
 

1. How does the distance from the lightbulb affect the visibility of photons?

The farther you are from the lightbulb, the less visible the photons will be. This is because photons travel in straight lines and dissipate as they travel, so the farther they have to travel to reach your eyes, the less intense they will appear.

2. How close do you have to be to the lightbulb to see individual photons?

It is not possible to see individual photons with the naked eye, no matter how close you are to the lightbulb. This is because the human eye is not sensitive enough to detect such small amounts of light.

3. Can the brightness of the lightbulb affect how far you can stand to see it?

Yes, the brightness of the lightbulb can affect how far you can stand to see it. The brighter the lightbulb, the farther you will be able to see it. This is because a brighter light source emits more photons, making them easier to detect from a greater distance.

4. Is there a limit to how far you can stand from a lightbulb and still see it?

Technically, there is no limit to how far you can stand from a lightbulb and still see it. However, at a certain distance, the photons will become too faint to be detected by the human eye. This distance will vary based on the brightness of the lightbulb and the sensitivity of the observer's eyes.

5. Can other factors besides distance affect the visibility of photons from a lightbulb?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the visibility of photons from a lightbulb. These include the color of the light, the angle at which the light is being emitted, and any obstacles that may block or reflect the light. These factors can all impact the intensity and direction of the photons, making them more or less visible at different distances.

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