Magnitude and Light brightness question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the perception of brightness from multiple candle flames at varying distances. It establishes that light intensity is determined by the formula power/area, indicating that closer candles will appear brighter due to higher intensity. Specifically, in a three-dimensional context, three candles at three meters will have a different perceived brightness compared to two candles at two meters or one candle at one meter. The conversation clarifies that in a one-dimensional perspective, the ranking of brightness may differ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light intensity and its calculation (power/area)
  • Basic concepts of three-dimensional versus one-dimensional space
  • Familiarity with the principles of perception in physics
  • Knowledge of candle flame brightness and its uniformity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of light intensity and its mathematical representation
  • Explore the differences between one-dimensional and three-dimensional light perception
  • Study the concept of luminous flux and its relation to brightness
  • Investigate real-world applications of light intensity in various fields
USEFUL FOR

Students in conceptual physics courses, educators teaching light and optics, and anyone interested in the principles of light intensity and perception.

LoveKnowledge
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
If I see 3 candles at 3 m across compared to 2 candles at 2 m across or 1 candle at 1 m across...does it make a difference in terms of brightness if more candles are seen at greater distances? Is the magnitude of light for all 3 situations the same?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Its about intensity, which is given by power/area is proportional to intensity. So technically, the nearer one will have its intensity higher. If we're considering a 3 dimensional space, which is in your question, then yes. If we're talking about 1 dimensional then no
 
quantumtron said:
Its about intensity, which is given by power/area is proportional to intensity. So technically, the nearer one will have its intensity higher. If we're considering a 3 dimensional space, which is in your question, then yes. If we're talking about 1 dimensional then no

Thx for your reply buddy. It is not a homework problem, it was in the review section and it confused me. The problem had stated: "Consider the light of multiple candle flames, each of the same brightness. Rank from brightest to dimmest the light that enters your eye for the following situations: a. 3 candles seen from a distance of 3 m. b. 2 candles seen from a distance of 2 m. c. I candle seen from a distance of 1 m."

So this is talking about 1-dimensional I think. I am just a little confused..this is a conceptual physics course and I want to make sure that I am understanding the concepts!
 

Similar threads

Undergrad What is the real definition of foot-candle?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School What is the Relationship Between Candelas, Watts, and Brightness?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
High School Why does the Sun seem so bright?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Stargazing M - M as the distance modulus, and a question about the distance ladder
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School Explanation for bright fringes in Single Slit Diffraction
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Lens Math for a Semicircle and Vesica Piscis?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Order of a dark fringe in Young's double slit experiment
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
Undergrad How does changing projector lenses affect brightness?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
Undergrad Discover the Fascinating Fresnel and Arago Spot Experiments in Belgium
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Is there a stretching of the light curves of supernovae 1a?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K