The radius of the Sun is about 1/200 of an astronomical unit. What happens to the flux of solar energy as it travels from the Sun's surface to Earth? A)It remains constant. B)It increases by a factor of 200. C)It decreases by a factor of 200. D)It decreases by a factor of (200)² = 40,000.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The flux of solar energy decreases with the square of the distance from the Sun. Since the radius of the Sun is about 1/200 of the distance to Earth, the flux decreases by the square of 200, which is 40,000.

The Radius of the Sun Is About 1/200 of an Astronomical