A communication satellite is in orbit around the earth, and is at a distance of

Question

A communication satellite is in orbit around the earth, and is at a distance of 1.5E23 m from the Sun. The satellite's solar panels derive some of its power from the sunlight, which reaches it with an intensity of 1340W/m^2. Assume the solar panels are always aimed at the sun in such a way that they completely absorb all of the sunlight hitting their area of 20 cm^3.

a. Assuming the sun radiates its energy uniformly in all directions, calculate the total power output of the Sun.

b. Calculate the maximum value of the electric field associated with the Sun's electromagnetic radiation as measured at the position of the satellite.

Explanation / Answer

As          
          
P = I * A          
          
And          
          
I =    1340   W/m^2  
r = distance from the sun of this intensity =    1.50E+23   m  
A = 4 pi r^2 =    2.83E+47   m^2  
          
Then          
          
P =    3.79E+50   W   [ANSWER]
          
**********************************          
          
As          
          
I = Emax^2 / [2 c uo]          
          
Then          
Emax = sqrt [2 c uo I] =    1.01E+06   N/C   [ANSWER]

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