An earth-orbiting satellite has solar energy-collecting panels with a total area

Question

An earth-orbiting satellite has solar energy-collecting panels with a total area of 4.0m^2. If the sun's radiation is perpendicular to the panels and is completely absorbed, find the average solar power absorbed and the average radiation pressure force.

Power and pressure from sunlight An earth-orbiting satellite has solar energy-collecting panels with a total area of 4.0 m2 (Fig. 32.21). If the sun's radiation is perpen- dicular to the panels and is completely absorbed, find the average solar power absorbed and the average radiation-pressure force. Sun sensor (to keep panels facing the sun) Solar panels

Explanation / Answer

average solar power absorbed P = I*A

I = average intensity of sun radiation received = 1368 W/m^2

A = area of solar pannel

average solar power absorbed P = 1368*4 = 5472 W

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radiation pressure = 2I/c

c = speed of light

radiation pressure = 2*1368/(3*10^8) = 9.12*10^-6 Pa

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