PAR Definition

[Reefer4ever]

The title says it all. I want your most scientific definition of what PAR means. If there are insanely insane words, put an easy synonym in parenthesis next to it. I am sure there are some nerds or researchers out there that can confuse me so much, my head will explode! Go for it!!! lol

Put some equations and charts/graphs on here too if possible. Not sure if you can do that though. :(

[jrsatx20]

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html

[stoneroller]

http://www.aquaristsonline.com/blog/aquarium-equipment/aquarium-lighting/what-is-par/

Easier read IMO. In my words, its the quality of light (intensity, spectrum, etc.) enabling the algae in your corals to photosynthesize -- i.e., producing the energy needed for coral growth.

[Reefer4ever]

I am not looking for a reef-related version of what PAR is. I am looking for more of a dictionary definition rather than a comparison to the reef-related subject. I know it is the lighting spectrum, intensity, ect, but I want a nerdy answer. An answer that that your typical non-reef Harvard nerd would say. A generalization like 1+1=2. Not 1 fish+1 more fish=too many fish.

[jrsatx20]

try google.

[txmike]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photosynthetically_active_radiation

[Mrs. z28pwr]

Well PAR in my definition means: postanesthesia Recovery :) In Medical terms.. Lol

[Reefer4ever]

That has something to do with the ribs right? I am taking Medical Terminology on the 9th grade level at Health Careers.

[CoryDude]

Ok, I'll take a stab at this. In order to understand par, you need to look at what light actually is.

There are different models for light. In a classical physics sense, light is an electromagnetic wave. It can be graphed just like a sinusoidal wave. Now in a quantum level, light can also be viewed as a photon model. This model looks at light as having both wave like and particle properties. When you graph a light wave, the area under the graph is the amount of energy contained in the wave. Borrowing from the laws of physics, energy is neither created or destroyed. So, using the photon model, when these photons strike something, the energy is transferred to that object.

PAR is basically a measurement of the transfer of energy from photons which fall within the visible light spectrum. The photons strike a receptive plate, which then is calculated into a physical number we can use for reference.

[Mrs. z28pwr]

A&P in high school... Very smart choice... post anesthesia is the unit where patient go to recover after surgery... Wow I wish my high school had that program :)

[stoneroller]

...not just within the visible light spectrum but within a narrow range that optimizes energy absorbtion within photosynthetic reaction centers.

[Reefer4ever]

The way I see it is this:

If I attend Health Careers, then I will be a doctor.
If I am a doctor, then I will make a lot of money.
If I make a lot of money, then i will become rich.
If I become rich, then I will buy a big house.
If I buy a big house, then I will buy a big tank.
If I buy a big tank, then i will be crazy.
If I am crazy, then I will fit in with all of you people.
If I fit in with all of you people, then you all must be crazy.
If you all are crazy, then you all have a big tanks.
If you all have big tanks, then you all have big houses.
If you all have big houses, then you all must be rich.
If you all are rich, then you all must have a lot of money.
If you all have a lot of money, then you all must be a doctor.
If you all are doctors, then you all must have attended to Health Careers.

Ladies and Gentleman... The Law of Syllogism. You may applaud.

[CoryDude]

Don't really know if the above statements are really based on logical reasoning, but nice try.

[Reefer4ever]

Does not have to be logical. It can be feasible right?

[Big_Pun]

I have a small house and a small tank, but I'm one of the craziest people on here lol. so what direction is this thread going i liked it better when it was educational. oh well I've hijacked many threads before lol

[Reefer4ever]

It is ok. Geometry is educational. I hijacked my own thread! lol Lets get back on topic people!!! Sorry for being side tracked.

[ErikH]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photosynthetically_active_radiation