Question

The total solar irradiance (TSI) at Earth orbit is 1400 watts/m2 . Assuming this value can be represented as a single Poynting flux. Find the corresponding flux at the solar visible-light surface. Explain your methods.

(Distance between Sun & Earth is 150 million km)

Answer 1

3.958 × 10²⁶ watt

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

Distance between earth and sun,
`R_e` = 150 ×10⁸ m

Total solar irradiance at earth orbit = 1400 watt/m²

Now,

Area irradiated (
`A_e`) will be =
`4\pi R_e^2`

⇒
`A_e` =
`4\pi * (150* 10^(8))^2`

⇒
`A_e` =
`2.827* 10^(23)m^2`

Therefore, the flux = Total solar irradiance at earth orbit ×
`A_e`

the flux =
`1400watt/m^2* 2.827* 10^(23)m^2`

⇒the flux = 3.958 × 10²⁶ watt