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Chapter 29: Problem 11

The intensity of light drops as the inverse square of the distance from the source. Does this mean that electromagnetic energy is lost? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, electromagnetic energy is not lost despite the decrease in light intensity with increased distance from the source, according to the principle of conservation of energy. The electromagnetic energy just spreads over a larger area.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Inverse Square Law

The inverse square law is a principle in physics that the strength of physical properties such as light, sound, and gravity changes inversely with the square of the distance from the source. In this case, the intensity of light is being considered, which implies that as the distance from the light source increases, the spread of light over a larger area results in a decrease in its intensity.
02

Apply Conservation of Energy

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Despite the reduction in light intensity according to the inverse square law, no energy is lost in the system. The electromagnetic energy of the light just spreads over a larger area and no energy is lost from the system as a whole.
03

Conclusion

Therefore, the decrease in light intensity due to increasing distance from the source, as explained by the inverse square law, is not an indication of loss of electromagnetic energy. This is because energy is conserved according to the principle of conservation of energy.

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