A pressure of $15 \times 10 ^ { - 6 } \mathrm {~N} / \mathrm { m } ^ { 2 }$ is due to sunlight being reflected from a surface of a "solar sail." The energy flux incident on the surface is A) 1125 W/m². B) 2250 W/m². C) 4500 W/m². D) 9000 W/m².

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure $P$ due to sunlight is related to the energy flux $F$ by the equation $P = \frac{2F}{c}$, where $c$ is the speed of light ($3 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s}$). Given $P = 15 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{N/m}^2$, solving for $F$ gives $F = \frac{Pc}{2} = \frac{15 \times 10^{-6} \times 3 \times 10^8}{2} = 2250 \, \text{W/m}^2$.

A Pressure Of 15×10−6 N/m215 \times 10 ^ { - 6 } \mathrm {~N} / \mathrm { m } ^ { 2 }15×10−6 N/m2

A Pressure Of $15 \times 10 ^ { - 6 } \mathrm {~N} / \mathrm { m } ^ { 2 }$