When the Sun becomes a red giant, it's luminosity will be 2000 times its current value. The solar flux at Earth will also increase by a factor of 2000. Neglecting the greenhouse effect, the surface temperature of the earth is determined by thermal equilibrium: the flux of radiation absorbed equals the flux of radiation emitted. This means the Earth's surface flux must also increase by a factor of 2000.  If the current average surface temperature is 58 degrees F, what will the average surface temperature be when the Sun is a red giant

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter31: Particle Physics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 49P
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
100%

When the Sun becomes a red giant, it's luminosity will be 2000 times its current value. The solar flux at Earth will also increase by a factor of 2000. Neglecting the greenhouse effect, the surface temperature of the earth is determined by thermal equilibrium: the flux of radiation absorbed equals the flux of radiation emitted. This means the Earth's surface flux must also increase by a factor of 2000.  If the current average surface temperature is 58 degrees F, what will the average surface temperature be when the Sun is a red giant. 

Express your answer in units of degrees Fahrenheit. 

[Hint: Recall that the Stefan-Boltzmann law says that the flux F emitted by a blackbody is related to its surface temperature T (measured in Kelvins) is F=σT4  . Use this law in the form of a ratio, expressing T in Kelvins. Then convert back to Fahrenheit.]

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Stellar evolution
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Astronomy
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168284
Author:
Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:
OpenStax
University Physics Volume 3
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168185
Author:
William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:
9781337399920
Author:
Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)
Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:
9781337399944
Author:
Michael A. Seeds
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Stars and Galaxies
Stars and Galaxies
Physics
ISBN:
9781305120785
Author:
Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:
Cengage Learning