Answer to Question #258851 in Physics for Darry

Question

A solar panel receives energy from the sun at a rate of 5.0kilowatts. Thermal energy is transferred from the solar panel to water with an efficiency of 20%. Cold water of mass 15kilograms enters the solar panel every hour. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200Joules per Kilograms per kelvin. State and explain one advantage and one disadvantage of heating the water in a solar panel compared with heating the water in a coal-burning boiler.

Answer 1

One advantage of heating the water in a solar panel compared with heating the water in a coal-burning boiler: this is a clean energy and no need of buying supplies for the boiler.

One disadvantage of heating the water in a solar panel compared with heating the water in a coal-burning boiler: the coal-burning boiler can heat water independently of weather.