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Absorbed radiation is the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a body per its unit surface area. It represents the portion of incident radiation that is actually taken in by a material rather than being reflected or transmitted through it.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: Absorptivity (α) represents the fraction of incident radiation flux that is absorbed by the body, ranging from 0 (no absorption) to 1 (complete absorption).
Details: Calculating absorbed radiation is crucial for thermal analysis, solar energy systems, material science, and understanding heat transfer processes. It helps determine how much energy a surface will absorb from radiation sources.
Tips: Enter absorptivity as a value between 0 and 1, and incident radiation in W/m². Ensure both values are positive numbers with absorptivity not exceeding 1.
Q1: What is the range of absorptivity values?
A: Absorptivity ranges from 0 (perfect reflector) to 1 (perfect absorber). Most real materials have values between 0 and 1.
Q2: How is absorptivity different from emissivity?
A: Absorptivity refers to radiation absorption, while emissivity refers to radiation emission. For many materials, these values are equal under certain conditions (Kirchhoff's law).
Q3: What factors affect absorptivity?
A: Absorptivity depends on material properties, surface finish, wavelength of radiation, and temperature.
Q4: Can absorptivity be greater than 1?
A: No, absorptivity is a dimensionless fraction and cannot exceed 1, as it represents the portion of incident radiation absorbed.
Q5: How is this calculation used in practical applications?
A: This calculation is essential in solar panel design, building insulation, thermal management systems, and any application involving radiative heat transfer.