Steradian facts for kids
The steradian (symbol: sr) or square radian is an SI unit. It is like a radian, but for smooth 3D objects, for example, a sphere. A steradian is about one twelfth the surface area of a sphere, regardless of how big the sphere is.
Sphere vs Steradian
- The surface area of a sphere is
- The surface area of a steradian is just
So a sphere measures 4π steradians, or about 12.57 steradians. Likewise a steradian is 1/12.57, or about 8% of a sphere. And because we measure an angle, it doesn't matter what size the sphere is, it will always measure 4π steradians.
See also
In Spanish: Estereorradián para niños
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