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

Question

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

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

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 210 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) P = E / t

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

average power = 6.34 * 1012 W

b) total area = P / I

= 6.34 * 1012 / 210

total area = 3.02 * 1010 m2

= 3.02 * 104 km2

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