Using the solar constant, estimate the rate at which the whole Earth receives energy from the Sun. (Hint: Think about the area of the Earth as seen from the Sun)

Question

Pooh

Physics

6 April, 04:24

Using the solar constant, estimate the rate at which the whole Earth receives energy from the Sun. (Hint: Think about the area of the Earth as seen from the Sun)

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Andy Mays · Answer 1

1.475*10²⁴ W

Explanation:

I = Solar constant of the sun = 1362 W/m² (measured using satellites with value 1.3608 ± 0.0005 kW/m² the error is due to fact that solar output is not always constant)

r = Radius of earth = 6371 km = 6371000 m (mean radius)

A = Area of earth = (4/3) * π*r³

= (4/3) * π*6371000³ = 1.083*10²¹ m²

P = I*A

⇒P = 1362*1.083*10²¹

⇒P = 1.475*10²⁴ W

∴ Rate at which the whole Earth receives energy from the Sun is 1.475*10²⁴ W