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Chapter 14: Problem 1

A solar water heater cannot be used to get hot water on (a) a sunny day. (b) a cloudy day. (c) a hot day. (d) a windy day.

Short Answer

Expert verified
b) a cloudy day.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

Identify the requirement: Determine when a solar water heater cannot be used effectively.
02

Identify Key Factors

Recall that a solar water heater relies on sunlight to heat water. Key factor: availability of sunlight.
03

Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each given condition:(a) Sunny day: Plenty of sunlight, heater works efficiently.(b) Cloudy day: Little sunlight, heater works poorly or not at all.(c) Hot day: Temperature doesn't affect sunlight, heater works efficiently.(d) Windy day: Wind doesn't affect sunlight, heater works efficiently.
04

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, a solar water heater cannot be used effectively on a cloudy day.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Sunlight Dependency
A solar water heater relies heavily on sunlight to function effectively. This is because the heater uses solar panels to absorb the sun's energy and convert it into heat.
Solar heaters are covered with glass or have protective coatings that reduce heat loss. However, the primary source of their efficiency is the availability of direct sunlight.
The heating process begins when sunlight hits the solar collectors, usually placed on rooftops or other areas with maximum sun exposure.
If sunlight is insufficient, the heater cannot generate enough heat to warm the water, making days with little to no sun particularly challenging.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource derived directly from the sun. It is harnessed using solar panels or collectors, such as those found in solar water heaters.
When sunlight reaches these panels, it is absorbed by photovoltaic cells or other conductive materials that convert solar energy into usable heat or electricity. For water heaters, this energy is transferred to a fluid, typically water or antifreeze, which is then circulated through the system to provide hot water.
Solar water heaters are an excellent way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower utility bills, but they are ultimately dependent on the availability of sunlight.
Weather Conditions Effect
Weather conditions significantly impact the efficiency of solar water heaters.
On a sunny day, the heater works optimally because there is ample sunlight to be absorbed and converted into heat. Conversely, cloudy days present a challenge because the cloud cover acts as a barrier, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar panels.
Additionally, environmental factors like dust and shade can also obstruct sunlight. While hot or windy days do not directly affect sunlight, they can have secondary effects. High winds, for instance, can cool the solar panels, slightly reducing their efficiency, but not nearly as much as a lack of sunlight would.

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