What is the optimal height for a lamppost to illuminate a circular walkway?

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The discussion focuses on determining the optimal height for a lamppost to effectively illuminate a circular walkway with a radius of 20 meters. The intensity of illumination is defined by the formula I = [k.sin(theta)] / D^2, where D is the distance from the light source to the surface and theta is the angle of incidence. Participants suggest deriving relationships between the variables, specifically expressing sin(theta) in terms of D and R, and setting the derivative of I with respect to D to zero for optimization. Key relationships include R = D cos(theta) and h = D sin(theta), leading to h = R tan(theta). The conversation emphasizes the mathematical approach needed to solve the problem effectively.
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hi, could anyone guide as to how to go about solving this question?
A cicular patch of grass or radius 20m is surrounded by a walkway and a light is placed atop a lamppost at the circle's center. At what height shoud the light be placed to illuminate the walkway most strongly? The intensity of illumination "I" of a surface is given by
I = [k.sin(theta)] / D^2 where is the distance from the light source to the surface and theta is the angle at which light strikes the surface, and k i s a positive constant

pls anyone, just give me a push, i am competely cluess as to where to begin.
thanks!
Monsurat.
 
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Just write \sin \theta in terms of D and R (radius of the circle) and set the derivative of I with respect to D equal to 0, etc.
 
\textrm{Here goes some hints...}

R = 20 \textrm{ m}

\hline

R = D \cos \theta
h = D \sin \theta = \frac{R}{\cos \theta} \cdot \sin \theta = R \tan \theta

\hline

I = k\cdot \frac{\sin \theta}{D^2}
\sin \theta = \frac{ID^2}{k}
\frac{h}{D} = \frac{ID^2}{k}
h = \frac{ID^3}{k}
h = \frac{I}{k}\left( \frac{R}{\cos \theta} \right)^3​

\textrm{Good luck!} :smile:
 
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