The speed of light is approximately 186,282 miles per second. To calculate how long it takes light to travel from the sun to Earth within the given distance range, we can follow these steps:
1. Find the maximum and minimum distances between the sun and Earth:
- Maximum distance: 9,450,000 miles
- Minimum distance: 9,140,000 miles
2. Divide the distances by the speed of light to find the time it takes light to travel:
- Maximum time: 9,450,000 miles / 186,282 miles per second = approximately 50.67 seconds
- Minimum time: 9,140,000 miles / 186,282 miles per second = approximately 49.03 seconds
3. Therefore, the range for how long it takes light to travel from the sun to Earth is approximately 49.03 to 50.67 seconds.
Please note that the speed of light is an average value and can vary slightly depending on the medium it travels through.