If the Earth's distance from the Sun were tripled,the amount of radiant solar energy received by the Earth would
A)Decrease 9 times
B)Decrease 6 times
C)Decrease 3 times
D)Remain about the same

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The amount of radiant solar energy received by a planet is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from the sun, according to the inverse square law. Therefore, if the Earth's distance from the Sun were tripled, the solar energy received would decrease by a factor of $3^2 = 9$.

If the Earth's Distance from the Sun Were Tripled,the Amount