It is proposed that a spaceship might be propelled in the solar system by radiat

Question

It is proposed that a spaceship might be propelled in the solar system by radiation pressure, using a large sail made of foil. What must the area (in m^2) of the sail be if the radiation force is to be equal in magnitude to the Sun's gravitational attraction? Assume that the mass of the ship + sail is 1500 kg that the sail is perfectly reflecting, and that the sail is oriented perpendicular to the Sun?s rays. G = 6.67 x10^-11 N m^2/kg^2, power of the sun = 3.9 X 10^26 W, c = 3.0 x 10^8 m/s, and mass of the sun = 1.99 x 10^30 kg. A. 9.37 x 10^3 B. 4.18 x 10^5 C. 5.62 x 10^-2 D. 3.33 x 10^2 E. 1.25 x 10^6

Explanation / Answer

Fg = Fr

GmMs/r^2 = 2(IA)/c

I = P/4pi

A = 6.67 x 10^-11 x 1500 x 1.99 x 10^30 x 3 x 10^8 * pi / 4* 3.9 x 10^26

A = 4.8 x 10^5 m^2

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.