A lumen is a unit of measurement of the total quantity of visible light. Suppose the intensity of light from a light source varies inversely with the distance from the light source. The intensity of the light 100 inches from a light source is 60 lumens. Determine the intensity of the same light 150 inches from its source

1 answer

The intensity of light varies inversely with the distance from the light source. This can be expressed mathematically with the formula:

\[ I = \frac{k}{d} \]

where \( I \) is the intensity, \( d \) is the distance from the source, and \( k \) is a constant of proportionality.

Given that the intensity of light at 100 inches is 60 lumens:

\[ I_1 = 60 \text{ lumens} \] \[ d_1 = 100 \text{ inches} \]

We can find the constant \( k \):

\[ 60 = \frac{k}{100} \]

Multiplying both sides by 100 gives:

\[ k = 60 \times 100 = 6000 \]

Now, we need to find the intensity \( I_2 \) at a distance \( d_2 = 150 \) inches. Using the same formula:

\[ I_2 = \frac{k}{d_2} = \frac{6000}{150} \]

Now, calculate:

\[ I_2 = \frac{6000}{150} = 40 \text{ lumens} \]

Thus, the intensity of the light 150 inches from the source is 40 lumens.