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Intrusionv2
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Homework Statement
The United States generates about 5.7 x 10^16 J of electric energy a day. This energy is equivalent to work, since it can be converted into work with almost 100% efficiency by an electric motor.
(a) If this energy is generated by power plants with an average efficiency of 0.32, how much heat is dumped into the environment each day?
Answer --> 1.21e+17 J
(b) How much water would be required to absorb this heat if the water temperature is not to increase more than 2.7° C?
Answer --> 1.07e+13 kg.
The Attempt at a Solution
I don't see how it is possible to pump out more heat into the environment than work generated, especially at 0.32 efficiency. Can someone help me with this problem please? Thanks