Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 34 - Electromagnetic Fields and Waves - Exercises and Problems - Page 1031: 52

Answer

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Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ We know that the radiation pressure on an object that absorbs the light is given by $$P=\dfrac{I}{c}\tag 1$$ where $P$ here is for pressure. The author told us to assume that the object absorbs all the light of 1360 W/m$^2$. The force exerted by this radiation is then given by $$F=PA$$ where $P$ is the pressure and $A$ is the cross-sectional area of the object. Plug from (1), $$F=\dfrac{I}{c}A$$ We need to find the force exerted on the whole earth by this radiation, so we need to find its cross-sectional area as a sphere which is a huge circle. So $A_E= \pi R_E^2$ $$F=\dfrac{\pi R_E^2I}{c} $$ Plug the known; $$F=\dfrac{\pi (6.37\times 10^6)^2(1360)}{(3\times 10^8)}$$ $$F=\color{red}{\bf 5.779\times 10^8}\;\rm N$$ $$\color{blue}{\bf [c]}$$ To compare this force with the gravitational force, we need to divide the radiation force over the gravitational force. Recalling that the gravitational force is given by $F_G=Gm_Sm_E/R_{E\rightarrow S}^2$ where $R_{E\rightarrow S}$ is the distance between the Sun and the Earth. $$\dfrac{F}{F_G}=\dfrac{(5.779\times 10^8)R^2_{E\rightarrow S}}{Gm_Em_S}$$ Plug the known; $$\dfrac{F}{F_G}=\dfrac{(5.779\times 10^8)(150\times 10^9)^2}{(6.672\times 10^{-11})(1.99\times 10^{30})(5.98\times 10^{24})}$$ $$\dfrac{F}{F_G}=1.64\times 10^{-14}$$ Thus, $$F=\color{red}{\bf 1.64\times 10^{-14}}F_G$$ which is too small compared to the gravitational force.
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