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Radiance vs Irradiance - What's the difference?

radiance | irradiance |

In physics terms the difference between irradiance and radiance

is that irradiance is the radiant power received by unit area of surface while radiance is the flux of radiation emitted per unit solid angle in a given direction by a unit area of a source.

As nouns the difference between irradiance and radiance

is that irradiance is the act of irradiating; emission of rays of light while radiance is the quality of being radiant, shining, bright or splendid.

radiance

English

Noun

(wikipedia radiance)
  • the quality of being radiant, shining, bright or splendid
    • Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crowned. — Milton.
  • (physics) the flux of radiation emitted per unit solid angle in a given direction by a unit area of a source

    • irradiance

    English

    Noun

    (wikipedia irradiance) (en noun)
  • The act of irradiating; emission of rays of light.
  • That which irradiates or is irradiated; lustre; splendour; brilliancy.
  • (physics) The radiant power received by unit area of surface