Undergrad How to calculate incident light on surface with multiple orientations?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jman99
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The calculation of incident light intensity on a surface with multiple orientations involves understanding the angles of incidence and the projected area of the surface. When a surface is tilted vertically and horizontally, the intensity can be determined by multiplying the cosine of each angle of incidence by the known intensity per square meter. In this case, with a vertical tilt of 45 degrees and a horizontal rotation of 22 degrees, the effective intensity can be calculated using the formula: Intensity = I * cos(45°) * cos(22°), where I is the initial intensity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light intensity and flux concepts
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Familiarity with geometric projections and surface area calculations
  • Basic principles of light behavior and angles of incidence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of trigonometric functions in light intensity calculations
  • Explore geometric projection techniques for irregular surfaces
  • Learn about light source characteristics and their impact on intensity
  • Investigate advanced light modeling software for complex scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, engineers, architects, and anyone involved in lighting design or optical engineering will benefit from this discussion on calculating incident light on surfaces with varying orientations.

Jman99
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Lets say you have a light source with a uniform beam of known intensity per meter square incident on a surface and the surface is tilted both vertically and horizontally.
The surface is on a platform and tilted directly up and the angle of incidence is 45 degrees while the platform is also rotated horizontally at 22 degrees (angle of incidence 22 degrees here?).
How to calculate the intensity? Is it just multiplying both the cosines of each angles by the intensity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Jman99 said:
Is it just multiplying both the cosines of each angles by the intensity?
A good indication of the light energy flux would be the projected area - i.e. what you suggest.
 

Thread 'Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?'

I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Formula For Calculating Field Angle (Beam Angle) of Light?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculating Incidence Angle for Tilted Plate and Light Source
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How do I calculate the fluence of a Gaussian Laser Beam?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
What Is the Relationship Between Radiant Intensity and Radiance?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
From weatherstation data to solar irradiation on specific surface
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Calculate the desired incident polarization of a light beam
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad What happens when circular polarization meets a diagonal polarizer?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Intensity of Light Through Pentaprism Including Reflections
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Undergrad Light intensity required to shine a light through an opaque object
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Diffraction Gratings: Calculating Wavelength for CD ROM
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K