Question

part a
suppose you have a car with a 100 - hp engine. how large a solar panel would you need to replace the engine with solar power? assume that the solar panels can utilize 20% of the maximum solar energy that reaches the earths surface (1000 w/m²). 1 hp = 746 w.
express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.
a = value units
submit request answer

Explanation:

Step1: Convert horsepower to watts

Given \(1\ hp = 746\ W\), for a \(100 - hp\) engine, the power \(P\) in watts is \(P=(100\ hp)\times(746\ W/hp)=74600\ W\).

Step2: Use the power - area formula

The power from the solar panel is \(P = \eta\times I\times A\), where \(\eta = 0.2\) (efficiency, \(20\%=0.2\)), \(I = 1000\ W/m^{2}\) (solar intensity). We need to solve for \(A\). Rearranging the formula \(A=\frac{P}{\eta\times I}\).
Substitute \(P = 74600\ W\), \(\eta=0.2\), and \(I = 1000\ W/m^{2}\) into the formula: \(A=\frac{74600}{0.2\times1000}\).

$$A=\frac{74600}{200}=373\ m^{2}$$

Rounding to two significant figures, \(A = 3.7\times10^{2}\ m^{2}\)

Answer:

\(3.7\times 10^{2}\ m^{2}\)