The intensity of light from the Sun is 1.3 kW/m² at the distance of the Earth. The Earth's radius is 6.4 * 10⁶ m. If all the sunlight that hits the Earth were absorbed, what would be the magnitude of the resulting force on the Earth? A) 0.0087 N B) 1.8 * 10⁸ N C) 5.6 * 10⁸ N D) 87 N

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force can be calculated using the formula F = Power/c, where Power is the total power absorbed by the Earth and c is the speed of light. The power absorbed is the intensity times the cross-sectional area of the Earth (πR²). Substituting the given values, the force is approximately 5.6 x 10^8 N.

The Intensity of Light from the Sun Is 1