# Distance from gamma ray?

1. Mar 24, 2010

### Stephen_D

Given the energy if sun were to instantly vaporize (using E = mc^2) = 2.7 x 10^47 J
( E = (mass of sun) * c^2)

how far would one have to be from a gamma ray burst in order for the average power from it to be equivalent to the average power from the sun's radiation at the earth (solar constant, 1300 watt/m^2)

I understand the problem, but I can't seem to find a formula that would solve for distance using units of the solar constant. The only thought I have is using the potential energy formula, but that is joules. Any hints on what formula to use? or solving it could also be helpful :-)

thanks

Oops, this is my first post, didn't notice the homework section, sorry about that!

Last edited: Mar 24, 2010
2. Mar 24, 2010

### Nabeshin

Well, the power spreads out across the surface of an imaginary sphere centered at the sun. This gives you some figure in Energy/m^2. And since you're considering a 1 time explosion of the sun, might as well say it lasts just one second, for comparison's sake.