Relating solar energy area to power/time?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the area of a solar collector needed to gather a specific amount of energy over a set time period, given the solar intensity at midday. Participants emphasize the relationship between power, energy, and time, noting that power is defined as energy per time. Clarification is sought on how to effectively relate the solar energy intensity to the desired energy collection. The problem-solving approach involves understanding that energy collected can be determined by multiplying the power per unit area by the area and the time. Overall, the thread highlights the importance of grasping the fundamental concepts of power and energy in solar energy calculations.
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Homework Statement



Given Information:

At midday, solar energy strikes the Earth with an intensity of about xxxW/m^2

Question:

What is the area of a solar collector that could collect xxxMJ of energy in xxxHours ?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having difficulty relating the two pieces of information. I have been staring at this problem for quite some time and haven't gotten anywhere. Any information would be helpful. I left out the number because I'm more interested in knowing how to solve the problem than I am getting the answer.

Thanks
 
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Well what precisely are you given? You're given power per unit area, and what's power? Energy per time. Specifically, you know in an area of 1 m^2, there are xxx joules per second, which is one way to interpret that information
 

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