Exercise 4. (a) The mean distance from the sun to planet Mars is approximately 1

Question

Exercise 4.

(a)            The mean distance from the sun to planet Mars is approximately 1.53 A.U. (where 1 A.U. is the mean distance from the sun to Earth). Given that the solar flux density (the Solar Constant) for Earth is S = 1368 [W/m2], use the mean radius of Mars’ orbit to find the value of the solar flux density for Mars.

(b)           Mars has no appreciable atmosphere. So it can be effectively modeled as a black-body. Use the value found in (a) to determine the surface temperature on Mars, and compare your answer to one found in Wikipedia.

Explanation / Answer

Solution:

Given that

the mean distance from the sun to planet Mars = 1.53 A.U.

We use the inverse square law

Solar flux density = 1368 * (1/R)2

Where R is radial distance from earth to the planet (in AU)

Here R = 1.53

therefore

Solar density for Mars := 1368 * ( 1/1.53)2

= 1368 *0.427   

= 584.40 W/m2

Answer

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse E
• Subjects

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