As a rough approximation, the human body may be considered to be a cylinder of length L=2.0m and circumference C=0.8m. (To simplify things, ignore the circular top and bottom of the cylinder, and just consider the cylindrical sides.) If the emissivity of skin is taken to be e=0.6, and the surface temperature is taken to be T=30∘C, how much thermal power P does the human body radiate?

Thermal Power = 460W

Explanation:

From Stephan-Boltzmann Law Formula;

P = єσT⁴A

Where,

P = Radiation energy

σ = Stefan-Boltzmann Constant

T = absolute temperature in Kelvin

є = Emissivity of the material.

A=Area of the emitting body

Now, σ = 5.67 x 10^(-8)

є = 0.6

Temperature = 30°C and coverting to kelvin = 30 + 273 = 303K

Area ; since we are to consider the sides of the human body as 2m and 0.8m,thus area = 2 x 0.8 = 1.6

Thus thermal power = 0.6 x 5.67 x 10^(-8) x303⁴ x 1.6 = 458. 8W

Normally, we approximate to the nearest 10W. Thus, thermal power is approximately 460W

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