A different definition of radiation flux

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and understanding of radiation flux, with participants exploring its meaning and application, particularly in relation to electromagnetic radiation from the Sun.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a different explanation or example of radiation flux beyond the Wikipedia definition.
  • Another participant questions whether there was confusion regarding the Wikipedia explanation and offers assistance.
  • A participant suggests that the radiation received from the Sun can be considered radiation flux, expressing uncertainty about the accuracy of this interpretation.
  • Another participant agrees with the previous claim but proposes that "radiant flux" is a more suitable term when discussing the Sun, noting the distinction between radiant flux (focused on electromagnetic radiation) and radiation flux (which can include various types of radiation).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the interpretation of radiation flux in relation to the Sun, but there is also a distinction made regarding the terminology used, indicating a lack of consensus on the preferred definition.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of using "radiation flux" versus "radiant flux," and there may be assumptions about the types of radiation being discussed that are not explicitly stated.

shanepitts
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Would anyone have a different explanation and maybe an example of radiation flux? Here is the Wikipedia definition "Radiation flux is a measure of the amount of radiation received by an object from a given source", which is quite clearly explained.
 
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Is there something you didn't understand about the wikipedia explanation that we can help you with?
 
I am not sure. I fathom that, for example, on the amount of radiation we receive from the Sun is the radiation flux. Is this accurate?
 
That looks correct to me, though I think the term "radiant flux" is more appropriate for the sun since we usually only care about the EM radiation of the sun: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiant_flux

Radiant flux is only concerned with EM radiation, while radiation flux can refer to any kind of radiation, including particle radiation.
 
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