The total annual U.S. energy consumption is about 2×1020 joules. Part A Part com

Question

The total annual U.S. energy consumption is about 2×1020 joules.

Part A

Part complete What is the average power requirement for the United States, in watts? (Hint: 1 watt = 1 joule/s) Paverage = 6.34×1012

Part B

With current technologies and solar collectors on the ground, the best we can hope for is that solar cells will generate an average (day and night) power of about 170 watts/m2 . What total area would we need to cover with solar cells to supply all the power needed for the United States? Give your answer in both square meters and square kilometers.

Explanation / Answer

a) power = E / t

= (2 * 1020) / (365 * 24 * 60 * 60)

= 6.34 * 1012 W

b) area = power / intensity = P / I

= (6.34 * 1012) / 170

= 3.73 * 1010 m2

= 37305 km2 = 3.73 * 104 km2

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