The intensity of solar radiation at the surface of the earth is
1kW/m2
. A roof has a square solar panel of sides 10m that absorbs the radiation completely. What is the average force exerted on the panel?
100kW/m^2
To find the average force exerted on the solar panel, we first need to know the power absorbed by the panel. The power absorbed by a solar panel can be calculated using the formula:
Power = Intensity of Radiation * Area
In this case, the intensity of solar radiation is given as 1 kW/m^2, and the area of the panel is the square of sides 10m. So, the area is:
Area = Side^2 = 10m * 10m = 100m^2
Now, we can calculate the power absorbed by the panel:
Power = Intensity of Radiation * Area = 1 kW/m^2 * 100m^2 = 100 kW
Next, we need to convert this power to force using the formula:
Power = Force * Speed
Assuming the speed of the absorbed radiation is the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s), we can rearrange the formula to solve for force:
Force = Power / Speed
Substituting the values, we get:
Force = 100 kW / 299,792,458 m/s ≈ 0.333 N
Therefore, the average force exerted on the solar panel is approximately 0.333 Newtons.