How Much Light Intensity Is Needed to Suspend a Sheet of Paper?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the light intensity required to suspend a sheet of black paper in a vertical beam of light. The problem involves calculating the necessary intensity based on the mass of the paper and its dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations related to force, area, and intensity. There is a correction regarding the area of the paper, with one participant noting a typo in the initial area calculation. Questions arise about the implications of the light intensity, including concerns about the potential for the paper to burn.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants verifying calculations and exploring the implications of the required light intensity. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the correction of the area suggests a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a science project and are focused on the physical principles involved in suspending the paper using light. The potential for the paper to burn under high intensity is also being considered.

lunus
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Homework Statement


For a science project, you would like to horizontally suspend an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of black paper in a vertical beam of light whose dimensions exactly match the paper.

If the mass of the sheet is 1.0 g, what light intensity will you need?

Homework Equations



Equation I used: F = IA/c


The Attempt at a Solution



F = 9.8x10^-3 N
A = 6.03 m^2
c = 3.00x10^8 m/s^2

I = Fc/A

I = 4.87x10^7 W/m^2

This is my attempt at the solution. I think its correct but I would like to double check. I would appreciate any help. thank you
 
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lunus said:

Homework Statement


For a science project, you would like to horizontally suspend an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of black paper in a vertical beam of light whose dimensions exactly match the paper.

If the mass of the sheet is 1.0 g, what light intensity will you need?

Homework Equations



Equation I used: F = IA/c


The Attempt at a Solution



F = 9.8x10^-3 N
A = 6.03 m^2
c = 3.00x10^8 m/s^2

I = Fc/A

I = 4.87x10^7 W/m^2

This is my attempt at the solution. I think its correct but I would like to double check. I would appreciate any help. thank you

What's the area of that sheet of paper?
 
A = 6.03x10^-2 m^2

The area i had above was a typo
 
lunus said:
A = 6.03x10^-2 m^2

The area i had above was a typo

OK, no problem then.

Except that maybe it will burn up?
 

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