Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

1. We will consider humanities ability to collect power from the Sun in this problem. The Sun has a luminosity of L = 3.846 x

image text in transcribed
1. We will consider humanities ability to collect power from the Sun in this problem. The Sun has a luminosity of L = 3.846 x 102 W, and a diameter of 1.393 million km. (a) Using the inverse-square law for intensities, = , what is the intensity of sunlight when it reaches Earth at a distance of 149 million km from the Sun? Give your answer in . (b) Now consider that the average total annual U.S. energy consumption is 2.22 x 1021 J. So, what is the average power requirement for the United States, in watts? (c) If solar cells can convert sunlight into electrical power at 30.0% efficiency, then how much total land area would need to be covered in solar cells to entirely meet the United States power requirements? Give your answer in square km. (d) If, in the future, an array of solar cells with a total surface area of 50,000 km? was positioned in orbit around the Sun at a distance of 10 million km, and this array converts sunlight into electricity at 60.% efficiency, then how much energy a year would this array generate? Give your answer in Joules

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Physics by Example

Authors: W. G. Rees

1st edition

521449758, 521445140, 9780521449755, 978-0521445146

More Books

Students also viewed these Physics questions

Question

13. You always should try to make a good first impression.

Answered: 1 week ago