If the Sun's surface temperature dropped to only half of its current temperature, how much light energy would it emit each second compared to the amount it emits now? Assume the size does not change.

Question

anonymous · Answer

$$E\propto T
$$

anonymous · Answer

@electrokid  I don't understand. Would that be the formula?

anonymous · Answer

that is from Boltzmann's law.
use it to get
$${E_1\over E_2} ={T_1\over T_2}$$

anonymous · Answer

@electrokid  Does E stand for energy and T for temperature?

anonymous · Answer

yep
whenever there is a comparison, use ratios...
the english "comparision" translates to "ratio" is math

anonymous · Answer

@electrokid but how do I find out the original temperature and light emission. I'm so lost. He didn't even give us this information.

anonymous · Answer

it does not matter... it is given that T2 = T1 / 2

anonymous · Answer

I'm still so lost.

anonymous · Answer

$$
{E_1\over E_2}=\frac{T_1}{T_1\over2}=T_1\times{2\over T_1}=2\
E_1=2E_2\implies E_2={E_1\over2}
$$

anonymous · Answer

so, half the energy

anonymous · Answer

@electrokid thank you!

anonymous · Answer

you are welcome   ☮