My space capsule floats at a distance of R = 1.8times10^11 from the sun. I have
ID: 1515959 • Letter: M
Question
My space capsule floats at a distance of R = 1.8times10^11 from the sun. I have a solar panel that is 5 m by 10 m. The sun releases energy as light with a power of 3.845times10^26 W. a) What is the intensity of the sunlight at 1.8times10^11 m from the sun? b) What is the amplitude of the electric field of this light? c) What is the amplitude of the magnetic field of this light? d) If my 10 m by 5 m solar panel absorbs all light that hits it and is perfectly efficient, how much power does it supply me? e) What is the radiation pressure of the sunlight at my location? f) What force will the radiation pressure apply to my solar panel? g) What would be the force if it were a mirror rather than a solar panel? My porthole has a window that is a polarizing filter and I am wearing polarizing sunglasses, when I tilt my head 20degree it creates a situation as pictured. h) In terms of intensity of the unpolarized light, I_0, what are I_A and I_B?Explanation / Answer
a) I = P / (4 pi r^2)
I = (3.845 x 10^26) / (4 x pi x (1.8 x 10^11)^2)
I = 944.37 W/m^2
b) I = c e0 E^2 / 2
944.37 = (3 x 10^8 x 8.854 x 10^-12 x E^2) / 2
E = 843.25 N/C
c) E = v B
B = (843.25) / (3 x 10^8) = 2.81 x 10^-6 T
d) P = I.A
= 944.37 * ( 5*10) = 47218.5 W
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