Is this question on Intensity of light from Sun correct?

Jahnavi
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Homework Statement


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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 ?
 

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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.
 
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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 ##.
 
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Thanks !
 
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