What is the power output of the sun?

  • Thread starter fishboy39
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In summary, the problem involves finding the power output of the sun, which is approximately 4 x 10^9 kg of matter being converted into energy every second. The equation E=mc^2 is used to convert the mass to energy, and then power is calculated as energy per unit time. The power output of the sun is 3.6 x 10^26 W. The conversation also brings up the interesting analogy of throwing bricks into outer space to demonstrate the concept of mass being converted into energy.
  • #1
fishboy39
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I have a physics problem that I am stuck on: Approximately 4 x 10^9 kg of matter is converted into energy each second in the sun. Find the power output of the sun. I know the answer is 3.6 x 10^26 W I just can't figure out how to get the correct equation and numbers. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 
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  • #2
The relevant equation is
[tex]E = mc^2[/tex]
 
  • #3
fishboy39 said:
I have a physics problem that I am stuck on: Approximately 4 x 10^9 kg of matter is converted into energy each second in the sun. Find the power output of the sun. I know the answer is 3.6 x 10^26 W I just can't figure out how to get the correct equation and numbers. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Use [ tex ] E = mc^2 [ /tex] to convert the mass to energy, then power is just energy per unit time.
 
  • #4
Thanks! I knew it was something easy!
 
  • #5
...why not e=mc^2?
 
  • #6
LOL sorry must've left the window on too long... haha
 
  • #7
[tex]e=mc^2[/tex]
[tex]P=\frac{\Delta e}{\Delta t}=\frac{\Delta mc^2}{\Delta t}[/tex]
Given [tex] \frac{\Delta m}{\Delta t}= 4*10^9 kg/s[/tex]
[tex]c=3.00*10^8 m/s[/tex]
 
  • #8
This reminds me of a lecture my (lively) optics professor gave.
He asked us to just imagine four billion kilograms of matter being
converted every second.
"Suppose you would throw 700 g brick up into outer space every second. (he freely demonstrates what it would be like).
Now imagine all the people in the world doing that." It's amazing :bugeye:
 

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