The intensity of sunlight at the Earth's distance from the Sun is 1370 W/m2.

(a) Assume the Earth absorbs all the sunlight incident upon it. Find the total force the Sun exerts on the Earth due to radiation pressure.

(b) Explain how this force compares with the Sun's gravitational attraction.

Strength______________ times stronger

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Manoj PandeyLv10

20 Sep 2020

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Part A

Consider a perfectly reflecting mirror oriented so that solar radiation of intensity is incident upon, and perpendicular to, the reflective surface of the mirror. If the mirror has a surface area, what is the magnitude of the average force due to the radiation pressure of the sunlight on the mirror?

Express your answer in terms of the intensity, the mirror's surface area, and the speed of light.

ANSWER:

(2IA)/c
Correct

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