Flux at Earth's surface and Poynting vector

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average flux of radiation using the Poynting vector, specifically with an electric field strength of 500 Vm-1 and the impedance of free space at 377 Ohms. The calculated average flux is 332 Wm-2, which raises questions about the apparent discrepancy with the solar flux of 1400 Wm-2 at Earth's orbit. Participants clarify that the electric field value provided is a typical average, not a peak value, which is critical for accurate calculations of radiation pressure and gravitational forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Poynting vector and its application in electromagnetic theory
  • Knowledge of electric field strength and its units (Vm-1)
  • Familiarity with the concept of impedance in free space (377 Ohms)
  • Basic principles of radiation pressure and gravitational forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation and applications of the Poynting vector in electromagnetic fields
  • Study the relationship between electric field strength and radiation flux
  • Explore the concept of radiation pressure and its effects on celestial bodies
  • Investigate the implications of distance on radiation flux and its inverse square law
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, astrophysics, and environmental science, will benefit from this discussion.

Silversonic
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(On phone typing this, so preset subheadings haven't shown)

My first question asks me to use the Poynting vector, N, to calculate the average flux of radiation, knowing that the electric field of sunlight arriving at the surface of the Earth is 500Vm^-1

I use that the average flux of radiation is given by the average value of the Poynting vector, which is

<N> = E^2/(2Z), where Z is the impedence of free space, 377 Omhs.

This gives me an answer of 332Wm^-2

The next question asks me to find the ratio of the radiation pressure force on the Earth to the gravitational pull of the sun. And it tells me that the flux of radiation in free space at the Earths orbit is 1400Wm^-2.

So apparently the flux at the orbit is greater than the flux at the surface? Considering the relationship of flux is inversely proportional to the distance squared, this is impossible. So why is my answer to the first part wrong?
 
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Silversonic said:
(On phone typing this, so preset subheadings haven't shown)

My first question asks me to use the Poynting vector, N, to calculate the average flux of radiation, knowing that the electric field of sunlight arriving at the surface of the Earth is 500Vm^-1

I use that the average flux of radiation is given by the average value of the Poynting vector, which is

<N> = E^2/(2Z), where Z is the impedence of free space, 377 Omhs.

This gives me an answer of 332Wm^-2

The next question asks me to find the ratio of the radiation pressure force on the Earth to the gravitational pull of the sun. Giving me that the flux of radiation in free space at the Earths orbit is 1400Wm^-2.

So apparently the flux at the orbit is greater than the flux at the surface? Considering the relationship of flux is inversely proportional to the distance squared, this is impossible. So why is my answer to the first part wrong?
Is the electric field of the sunlight arriving at the surface of the Earth, an average of some kind, or is it the peak value?
 
SammyS said:
Is the electric field of the sunlight arriving at the surface of the Earth, an average of some kind, or is it the peak value?

It just says it is the typical value arriving at the Earth's surface. By typical I assume it means average.
 

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