Find Glass Thickness to Block 25% of Light in Sunglasses

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter fxacx
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Block Glass Light
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the thickness of sunglasses glass required to block 25% of incoming light using the equation I(x) = I0 (0.8)^x. To achieve this, the equation is set up as $0.75 I_0 = I_0 (0.8)^x$, leading to the need for solving the exponential equation. The solution involves understanding logarithms and their relationship to exponentials, specifically in the context of the equation $a^x = y$. This mathematical approach is essential for calculating the required thickness accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential functions
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation
  • Basic principles of light intensity and transmission
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithms and their applications in solving exponential equations
  • Learn how to manipulate and solve equations involving exponential decay
  • Explore practical applications of light intensity calculations in optics
  • Investigate the effects of different materials on light transmission
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics or physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the design and functionality of sunglasses and light-blocking materials.

fxacx
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
The intensity, I of light in lumens, passing through the glass of a pair of sunglasses is given by the
equation I(x) = I0 (0.8)^x , where x is the thickness of the glass in millimetres and I0 is the intensity of
light entering the glasses. How thick should the glass be so that it will block 25% of the light entering
the sunglasses?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
H
fxacx said:
The intensity, I of light in lumens, passing through the glass of a pair of sunglasses is given by the
equation I(x) = I0 (0.8)^x , where x is the thickness of the glass in millimetres and I0 is the intensity of
light entering the glasses. How thick should the glass be so that it will block 25% of the light entering
the sunglasses?

$0.75 I_0 = I_0 (0.8)^x$

solve for x ...
 
So the question is, again, do you know how to solve $a^x= y$? You titled this "Log/exponential word problem". Do you know what "logarithms" and "exponentials" are and how they are related?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
66
Views
9K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K