Calculate the power measured by the detector at distance h from the source

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the power measured by a detector at a distance from an isotropic point source of electromagnetic energy. Participants explore various approaches to integrate intensity over the detector's area, considering factors such as attenuation and the geometry of the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the inverse square law and Beer’s law to calculate the intensity and power received by the detector.
  • Others argue about the need to account for attenuation and the angle of incidence on the detector, suggesting that the power distribution may vary across the detector's surface.
  • A participant mentions integrating intensity over the entire area of the detector, questioning the reasoning behind their approach.
  • There is a suggestion to simplify the problem without calculus, though the applicability of this approach is debated.
  • Some participants discuss the need for a general formula to compute power received, considering the flat nature of the detector.
  • One participant describes using Pythagorean theorem to find distances relevant to the problem, indicating a geometric approach to the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best method to calculate the power received by the detector, with no consensus on a single approach. Some participants agree on the isotropic emission assumption, while others raise concerns about the implications of the detector's geometry and attenuation effects.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the integration process and the specific definitions of variables involved in the calculations. The discussion reflects uncertainty about how to accurately model the physical scenario.

  • #31
gneill said:
Typing out is always better. It makes quoting and commenting much easier. Many helpers will just abandon ship if they have to do too much work to respond.

But, making an effort to clip, edit, and post a piece of your image, can you explain the exponent of 4 in your equation:
View attachment 233381

thanks, i will type from now on,it's from the inverse square law(S/(4*pi*d^4)=ir)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Hmm. I'd say that the power is spread over the surface area of a sphere of a given radius, so the flux would go as

##\Phi = \frac{P_o}{4 \pi r^2}##

Where r is the distance from the source.

The same should apply to intensity.
 
  • #33
gneill said:
Hmm. I'd say that the power is spread over the surface area of a sphere of a given radius, so the flux would go as

##\Phi = \frac{P_o}{4 \pi r^2}##

Where r is the distance from the source.

The same should apply to intensity.

oh okay, so if i replace the 4 with a 2, the final result is i0(ln(h^2+R^2)-2ln(h))/4, does that make more sense?
thanks
 
  • #34
Yes, it does to me :smile:

I think you could do some manipulation of the logs to get a more concise version, but otherwise I think you're doing fine.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nadi Yazbeck
  • #35
gneill said:
Yes, it does to me :smile:

I think you could do some manipulation of the logs to get a more concise version, but otherwise I think you're doing fine.

that's great! i have been working on this for almost a week and couldn't figure it out hahahaha
thanks a lot!
nadi
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 152 ·
6
Replies
152
Views
11K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
13K