Why is 1^1=1 2^2=4 3^2=9 4^2=16 in square law?
...TO find, Observed Brightness=Lumnosity/Distance ^2
2007-05-13 12:08:31 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Every time you increase distance by a factor of X the observed brightness decreases by a factor of X^2; i.e., brightness becomes 1/X^2 * its previous value. Conversely, if you increase the luminosity by a factor of X, you multiply the distance at which you see a given brightness by sqrt(X). So, for instance doubling the luminosity increases the distance by sqrt(2) or 1.414 (not 1.5 as the previous answer says), Quadrupling the luminosity doubles the distance.
2007-05-14 07:41:10 · answer #1 · answered by kirchwey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand the question. You answered it yourself. If you see a light at 1 mile and it is 100 watts then to see it at 1.5 miles you have to double the watts or 200 watts. Every time you double the watts you get half again the distance. So 400 watts gets you 2.25 miles (half of 1.5 = .75 + 1.5 = 2.25).
2007-05-13 12:25:13 · answer #2 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain Newton's contribution to scientific advancement.
2007-05-13 12:13:11 · answer #3 · answered by sunny d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋