Find Force from Flux: Solar Sail at 3 AU

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force exerted on a solar sail due to solar flux at a distance of 3 AU from the Sun. Participants are examining the relationship between flux and force, particularly in the context of radiation pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the flux at 3 AU based on the known flux at 1 AU and questions how to relate this flux to the force on the solar sail. Other participants discuss the factors influencing force, such as the angle of incidence and the nature of light absorption and reflection.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the relationship between flux and force, with some providing insights into the concept of radiation pressure. There is an acknowledgment of the need to consider additional factors like the angle of incidence and the properties of the solar sail.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the information provided is limited to the flux values and the distance from the Sun, indicating constraints in the problem setup.

ma18
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Homework Statement



What is the flux on a solar sail per square meter, if it orbits the Sun at 3 AU. Flux at 1 AU is 1.36 KW/square meter


Homework Equations



Flux goes as 1/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Flux at 3 AU will be 1.36/3^2 = 1.36/9 = 0.15 KW/square meter

I can't figure out how to relate this to the force though?

Any help would be appreciated.

*This is practise for a test not an assignment queston
 
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ma18 said:

Homework Statement



What is the flux on a solar sail per square meter, if it orbits the Sun at 3 AU. Flux at 1 AU is 1.36 KW/square meter


Homework Equations



Flux goes as 1/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Flux at 3 AU will be 1.36/3^2 = 1.36/9 = 0.15 KW/square meter

I can't figure out how to relate this to the force though?

Any help would be appreciated.

*This is practise for a test not an assignment queston

The force will depend upon the angle of incidence of the light (assuming we are talking photon flux here!) and how much of the light is absorbed versus reflected. For perfect reflection and an angle of incidence of zero degrees from the normal the pressure exerted will be 2Ef/c. If the angle is not zero degrees then there's a cos2 term. Look up "radiation pressure".
 
The information I gave in the question is all I have.
 
Oops just realized I put the wrong thing in the first post, it should say "What is the force..."
 
I think I got it. Force per square meter = Pressure and (Radiative) Pressure = Flux/c
 

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