Is this question on Intensity of light from Sun correct?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the correct interpretation of the intensity of light emitted from the Sun, specifically the value of 1400 watts/m², which represents the irradiance at the Earth's orbit. Participants clarify that this value is indeed a constant, defined as the intensity at a specific distance from the Sun, and not the total power emitted. The formula for power, P, is established as P = E * 4πs², where E is the irradiance and s is the distance from the Sun. The objection raised regarding the need for the radius of Earth's orbit is addressed, confirming that it is unnecessary for calculating the irradiance at Earth's surface.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of irradiance and intensity in physics
  • Familiarity with the formula for power in relation to distance
  • Knowledge of astronomical distances, specifically the distance from the Earth to the Sun
  • Basic grasp of units of measurement in physics (watts, meters)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of irradiance and its applications in astrophysics
  • Learn about the inverse square law as it applies to light intensity
  • Explore the calculation of solar power output using the formula P = E * 4πs²
  • Investigate the effects of distance on light intensity in various contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching about solar energy, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of light intensity and its measurement in astronomy.

Jahnavi
Messages
848
Reaction score
102

Homework Statement


QPart1.jpg

QPart2.jpg

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



This is an example given in the book . But I am just wondering whether the question itself is correct .

How can intensity of light emitted from Sun is given a constant ? Shouldn't 1400 be the power emitted from Sun ?

If 1400 is power emitted from sun , then in part b) , n = 1400/E . We don't need radius of Earth to answer part b) .

Instead we would require radius of orbit of Earth to answer part a) .

This is different from what is done in the book .

Could the experts kindly let me know whether my objection is valid or not ?
 

Attachments

  • QPart1.jpg
    QPart1.jpg
    14.7 KB · Views: 699
  • QPart2.jpg
    QPart2.jpg
    39.1 KB · Views: 715
Physics news on Phys.org
Jahnavi said:
How can intensity of light emitted from Sun is given a constant ?
It is given at the Earth's orbit. There it is a given number. If you were closer to the Sun, this number would be higher.

Jahnavi said:
Could the experts kindly let me know whether my objection is valid or not ?
It is not.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Jahnavi
Irradiance ## E=1400 \, watts/m^2 ##. The number is correct. That is the intensity (irradiance) at the Earth's surface. ## \\ ## Meanwhile the sun is about 865,000 miles in diameter and is 93,000,000 miles away. The total power ## P ## satisfies ## \frac{P}{4 \pi s^2} =E## where ## s=93,000,000 \, miles ## which is ## s=1.50 \cdot 10^{11} \, m ##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Jahnavi
Thanks !
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Charles Link

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K