Solar intensity at Earth: why is 1400 W/m² constant if it's power?

[Jahnavi]

Homework Statement

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 ?

 

[Orodruin]

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.

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

It is not.

 

[Charles Link]

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 $s=1.50 \cdot 10^{11} \, m$.

 

[Jahnavi]

Thanks !