Intensity of a laser through a converging lens

AI Thread Summary
A laser beam passing through a converging lens with a focal length of 19 cm requires determining the distance at which its intensity increases by a factor of 6. The intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the lens. The initial intensity (I1) at the lens can be expressed as I1 = P/(π * 0.19^2), while the intensity at a distance x from the lens is I2 = P/(π * (0.19 - x)^2). Setting I2 equal to 6I1 allows for solving the distance x, which was initially miscalculated. The correct approach clarified the relationship between the intensities and the distances involved.
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Homework Statement



A laser beam passes through a converging lens with a focal length of 19cm. At what distance past the lens has the laser beam's intensity increased by a factor of 6?

Homework Equations



I=\frac{c\epsilon_0 E_0^2}{2}??

The Attempt at a Solution



To be honest, I'm not even sure how to start on this question. I think I just need a hint to get started. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Intensity is inversely proportional to square of the distance. Assume that at focus the intensity is maximum, say Io.
What will be the intensity (I1) at the lens position?
What will be the intensity (I2) at a distance x from the focus?
What is the relation between I1 and I2?
 
rl.bhat said:
Intensity is inversely proportional to square of the distance. Assume that at focus the intensity is maximum, say Io.
What will be the intensity (I1) at the lens position?
What will be the intensity (I2) at a distance x from the focus?
What is the relation between I1 and I2?

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm now trying to understand the formula given in my text I=\frac{P}{A}

So I'm thinking that I_1=\frac{P}{\pi r^2}?


If so then I_2=\frac{P}{\pi r^2}=6I_1=\frac{6P}{\pi 0.17^2}.
so r=0.0694m. Thus the distance from from the lense is 10.1cm. I entered this into my assignment online and was informed I was incorrect. Any idea as to where I went wrong?
 
Check your calculations. From where did get 0.17?
The equations should be I1 = P/pi*0.19^2
And I2 = P/pi(0.19- x )^2 where x is the distance from the lens. Put I2 = 6I1.Solve for x.
 
Thanks. Somehow .17 turned into .19. I've got it now. Really appreciate the help.
 
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