How would our Sun's luminosity change if we increased its temperature 3 times?

The luminosity of our Sun could be derived by the Stefan-Boltzmann, otherwise known as Luminosity law. It says the total energy produced by a unit surface per unit time area (power per unit area) is: (power per unit area)=(Stefan-Boltzmann constant)(Temperature)4 That means the luminosity of the Sun is L=(Surface area of the Sun)(Stefan-Boltzmann constant)*(Temperature)4. We are only changing the temperature by a factor 3. That means the luminosity will increase by a factor of 34, since the temperature is present in the formula above with its fourth power. Therefore, the luminosity would increase 81 times.

DG
Answered by Denislav G. Physics tutor

2807 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the threshold frequency for a metal with a work function of 3eV


Find an expression for the escape velocity of a test object.


A rocket travels with constant velocity in a straight line in deep space. A ball is thrown from the back to the front (ie from the thrusters to the nose). Describe the path of the ball. Describe the path if the rocket were accelerating along this line.


Describe how a stationary wave is formed at a boundary?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning