4. The intensity of light is proportionate to the inverse square of the distance to the light source. At the same distance, Lightbulb A shines at 9 times the intensity as Lightbulb B. How many feet do you need to stand from Lightbulb B so it appears to have the same intensity as Lightbulb A at 12 feet away.
Intensity of light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance to the light source
K is the constant of proportionality.
For lightbulb A
For lightbulb B
At the same distance lightbulb A shines 9 times the intensity as lightbulb B
IA = 9IB
Therefore KA = 9KB
Let dB be the distance to stand from lightbulb B so it appears to have the same intensity as lightbulb A at 12 feet away
Distance of lightbulb A = dA = 12 feet
Distance of lightbulb B = dB
At this point it appears that both lightbulbs have same intensity
IA = IB
dB2 = 144/9 = 16
dB = 4 feet
You need to stand 4 feet away from lightbulb B so it appears to have the same intensity as lightbulb A at 12 feet away.
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