/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 7 The intensity of light from a lo... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 14: Problem 7

The intensity of light from a localized source decreases as the inverse square of the distance from the source. Does this mean that the light loses energy as it propagates?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, the light does not lose energy as it propagates. The decrease in light intensity as you move away from the source is due to the energy being spread out over a larger area, not because the light is losing energy.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the statement

The question says that the intensity of light from a localized source decreases as the inverse square of the distance from the source. This means that the light gets less intense as you move further and further away from the source.
02

Examine the concept of light intensity

Light intensity fundamentally describes how much light energy is coming from a source of light. A localized source of light, such as a bulb, emits light in all directions. As distance from the source increases, the light is spread out over a greater area.
03

Draw conclusion

Even though the intensity of light decreases with distance, this doesn't mean that the light is losing energy. The decrease in measured intensity results from the spreading out of light energy in more directions as distance from the source increases. The total energy it carries remains the same.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Light emerges from a 5.0-m \(\mathrm{W}\) laser in a beam \(1.0 \mathrm{mm}\) in diameter. The beam shines on a wall, producing a spot \(3.6 \mathrm{cm}\) in diameter. What is the beam's intensity (a) at the laser and (b) at the wall?

Light intensity \(3.3 \mathrm{m}\) from a lightbulb is \(0.73 \mathrm{W} / \mathrm{m}^{2} .\) Find the bulb's power output, assuming it radiates equally in all directions.

What distinguishes a wave from an oscillation?

Consider a light wave and a sound wave with the same wavelength. Which has the higher frequency?

A string is clamped at both ends and tensioned until its fundamental frequency is \(85 \mathrm{Hz}\). If the string is then held rigidly at its midpoint, what's the lowest frequency at which it will vibrate?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Read Explanation

Quantum Physics

Read Explanation

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Read Explanation

Thermodynamics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.