Conservation and dissipation of energy

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Question 15
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An autonomous high-altitude drone uses solar panels integrated into its wings to generate electricity, which is then stored in an onboard lithium-ion battery.

a.

The solar panels are integrated horizontally on the flat upper surface of the drone's wings. Explain one disadvantage of having the solar panels fixed in this horizontal position.

[2]
b.

The average current from the solar panels to the flight battery is 4.5 A4.5\text{ A}4.5 A. Calculate the charge flow to the battery in 7200 seconds7200\text{ seconds}7200 seconds. Use the equation: charge flow=current×time\text{charge flow} = \text{current} \times \text{time}charge flow=current×time

[2]
c.

Write down the equation that links efficiency, total power input, and useful power output.

[1]
d.

At one point during the day, the total power input from sunlight to the panels was 3200 W3200\text{ W}3200 W. The efficiency of the solar panels was 0.220.220.22. Calculate the useful power output of the solar panels.

[3]
e.

The wasted energy that is not useful to the panels is dissipated into the surroundings. What happens to energy that has been dissipated? Select one option:

  • The energy is destroyed.
  • The energy spreads out and becomes less useful.
  • The energy is completely converted back into sunlight.
[1]
f.

Why is it currently impractical to meet all of a nation's energy needs using solar power alone? Select one option:

  • Solar energy is a non-renewable resource.
  • A very large surface area of land would need to be covered with solar panels.
  • Solar panels have an efficiency that is too high.
[1]

Conservation and dissipation of energy Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Conservation and dissipation of energy