Solving Sun Intensity Problem: 685W/m^2 in 6.5 Days

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for the sun to emit 153.6 x 10^15 J of energy onto a 20km by 20km area, yielding an intensity of 685W/m². The initial calculation mistakenly resulted in 44000 seconds instead of the correct duration of 6.5 days. Participants emphasized the importance of including units in calculations to identify errors, leading to the resolution of the problem.

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  • Understanding of solar energy calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of intensity (power per unit area)
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversion
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation of equations
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  • Study the principles of energy transfer in solar physics
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques in physics
  • Explore the relationship between power, area, and intensity in energy calculations
  • Review algebraic methods for solving equations with multiple variables
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Students in physics, engineers working with solar energy systems, and anyone interested in understanding energy calculations related to solar intensity.

slaw155
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Sun emits 153.6 x 10^15 J of energy onto a region that is 20km by 20km in area. The intensity of the sun on this region is 685W/m^2. How many days would it take for the sun to put that amount of energy onto the region?

I went intensity = power/area and got to a time of some 44000seconds, however this does not convert to the correct number of days of 6.5days.
Where have I gone wrong?
 
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To spot your error we need to see your working. :confused:

Show us your equation involving just one unknown, viz., time

If you include units along with magnitudes in all your equations, you will usually see where you are making mistakes, because you can cancel units just as you can cancel numbers.
 
thanks solved it
 

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