How Far from a Gamma Ray Burst to Match Solar Radiation at Earth?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the distance from a gamma ray burst that would match the solar radiation at Earth, one must consider the energy released by the sun and how it disperses over an area. The energy from the sun is approximately 2.7 x 10^47 J, and the solar constant is 1300 W/m^2. The challenge lies in finding a formula that relates energy to distance while accounting for the power spread across a sphere. A potential approach involves using the concept of energy density over a spherical surface area. Understanding these principles will help in calculating the required distance for equivalence in power.
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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!
 
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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.
 
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