General Physics II 1 Phys 1102

Chapter 1
Light and Ilumination
1. TX Example (1.1) A monochromatic light source is used in Young's double-slit experiment
where the distance between the slits is 0.5 mm and the screen is a distance of 1.5 m from the
slits. The center of the second-order bright fringe is located 3.0 mm from the center of the central
maximum on the screen. What is wavelength of the light?
Solution: d = 0.5 mm, D = 1.5 m = 1.5  103 mm ,m = 2, x = 3.0 mm,  = ?
D
x=mλ
d (bright fringe)
xd
λ=
mD
0 . 5 ×3 . 0
= 3
=0 . 5 × 10−3 mm
2 × 1 . 5 × 10
= 0.5  10-6 m = 5000 Ȧ
2. Example (1.2)A machine casting with a flat surface area of 0.50 ft 2 is illuminated by two light
sources, as illustrated in figure (1.13), with I1 = 3400 cd and I2 = 1000 cd. (a) What is the total
illumination of the surface? (b) If source S2 is turned off and the casting is elevated 3.0 ft, what is
the illumination?

Solution: (a) The illumination from each source is;

I1 3400cd
from S1: E1 = r 21 = (6 .0ft )2 = 94 cd ft-2 = 94 fc
I 2 cos60º (1000 cd ) (0 . 50)
= =56 fc
from S2: E2 = r 22 (3 . 0 ft )2

Hence, Et = E1 + E2 = 94 fc + 56 fc = 150 fc

Figure 1.13
General Physics II 2 Phys 1102
(b) Since E1 = 94 fc at r1 = 6.0 ft, then at a distance of r2 = 3.0 ft, by equation

2
E2 r 1 6 . 0 ft 2
=
()(
E1 r 2
=
3 . 0 ft
=4 )
or E2 = 4 E1 = 4 (94 fc) = 376 fc
.
3. SG Example 1.1 Young’s experiment is performed with orange light of λ=6058 A . If the
fringes are measured with a micrometer eye-piece at a distance 100cm from the double slit it is
found that 25 of them occupy a distance of 12.87mm between centers. Find the distance between
the centers of two slits.
Solution: distance between eye-piece and double slit D = 100cm
−3
distance between 25th fringes and center x = 12.87mm = 12.87 ¿10 m
no. of fringes = 25, m = 25-1 =24
.
wavelength of orange light λ=6058 A =6058×10−10 m
D
x=mλ (Bright fringes)
d
D
d=mλ
x
1
=24×6058×10−10×
12 . 87×10−3 =1 .129mm
4. What is the order of magnitude of the frequency and wavelength of visible light?
The order of magnitude of the frequency is 0.42 × 1015 Hz and 0.75 × 1015 Hz. The visible
. .
region comprises wavelengths between approximately 4000 A and 7000 A (400 nm and
700
nm).

5. What are the conditions on the phase difference and path difference for the constructive and
destructive interference of two waves?
Constructive interference occurs when the waves arrive at a point in phase. In the figure, the
path difference of the waves from the point sources is zero, PD = 3-3, and the waves are
exactly in phase.
Destructive interference occurs when the waves arrive at a point out of phase. In the figure,
the path difference is PD = 4-3.5 = /2, and the phase difference is  rad.
General Physics II 3 Phys 1102

6. Why is a 1/4 film called non-reflective when on a lens, yet a 1/4 soap film is reflective for the
same wavelength?
A 1/4 film is called non-reflective when on a lens, yet a 1/4 soap film is reflective for the
same wavelength because the film coating serves a double purpose. Not only does it
promote non-reflection from the front of the lens, but it also cuts down on back reflection.

7. What is diffraction?
Diffraction is the bending of waves around the corner or edge of an opaque object.

8. In a polarizing sheet, how is transmission axis or polarization axis related to the orientation of
the molecular chains?
In a polarizing sheet, the molecules readily absorb light with E vectors parallel to the
oriented chains and transmit light perpendicular to the chains. The direction
perpendicular to the oriented chain molecules is commonly called the transmission axis
or polarization direction.

9. In what region is the majority of the light emitted from an incandescent bulb?
The majority of the light is emitted from an incandescent bulb in the visible region.

10. What is fluorescence?

Fluorescence is the process of absorption of light at one wavelength and the emission
of light at another wavelength.

11. Is the lumen a true physical unit? Explain.

.

Yes. One lumen is equivalent to 1/680 watt of light with a wavelength of 5550 A
Hence, the lumen unit relates the luminous flux to the visual brightness perceived by
the eye.

12. What is the light flux per area and what are its units?
The light flux per area is illuminance. The unit of illuminance in the British system is the lumen
per ft2 or foot-candle (fc), 1 fc = 1 lm ft-2. The SI unit of illuminance is the lux (lx).
General Physics II 4 Phys 1102

13. What is the range of the wavelength of visible light? Which end of the spectrum has the
longer wavelength?
The range of the wavelength of visible light is between 400nm to 700nm. Infrared end
of the spectrum has the longer wavelength.

14. Is the speed of light the same in all media? Explain.

The speed of light is not the same in all media. All electromagnetic radiations travel at
this speed in vacuum or in “ free space ”, which is approximately 186,000 mis-1. The
speed of light is different in different media.

15. Ultraviolet light has a wavelength of 300 nm and infrared light has a wavelength of 800
nm. What are the light frequencies?
λ u=300 nm=300 ×10−9 m
λ i=800 nm=800 ×10−9 m
For Ultraviolet light,
c 3 ×10 8 15
f u= = =1 ×10 Hz
λu 300× 10−9
For Infrared light,
c 3 ×10 8 14
f i= = =3.75 ×10 Hz
λi 800× 10 −9

16. Write down the names of electromagnetic waves you have known.
Ultraviolet, Infrared, X-rays, Gamma rays, Radio waves and Microwaves.

17. Which of the following are EM waves and which are mechanical waves?
sound waves, radio waves, light waves, water waves.
Radio waves and light waves are EM waves.
Sound waves and water waves are mechanical waves.

18. What are the conditions for (a) total constructive interference and (b) total
destructive interference?
(a) The waves are exactly in phase, and total constructive interference occurs.
(b) The waves are completely out of phase, and total destructive interference occurs.
General Physics II 5 Phys 1102

19. Young's double-slit experiment is performed with monochromatic light, with a distance between
the slits of 0.01 mm and with the screen a distance of 1.2 m from the slits. If the center of the
second order bright fringe is located 1.5 mm from the center of the central maximum on the
screen, what is the wavelength of the light and what is its color?
Solution:
d = 1mm = 1 x 10-3m , D = 1.2m, m = 2
x = 1.5mm ;  = ?
D
For bright fringes, x = m
d
xd 1.5× 10−3 ×1 ×10−3
 = = =6250 Ȧ
mD 2 ×1.2
Color is red.

20. When orange light  = 600 nm is used for Young's experiment, the first order bright fringe is
observed 2.5 mm from the center of the central maximum on a screen 1.0 m from the slits. What
is the slit width used in this experiment?
Solution:
 = 600nm = 600 x 10-9m , m = 1
x = 2.5mm = 2.5 x 10-3m
D = 1.0m ; d = ?
D
For bright fringes, x = m
d
1× 600× 10−9 −4
= −3
=2.4 × 10 m=0.24 mm
2.5× 10

21. If light having two component wavelengths of 400 nm and 700 nm is used in the experimental
setup in Problem 21, how far apart are the first-order fringes of each component?
Solution
d = 1mm = 1 x 10-3m, D = 1.2m
 = 400nm
D
For bright fringes, x = m
d
1× 400 ×10−9 × 1.2 −4
= −3
=4.8 ×10 m=0.48 mm
1× 10
 = 700nm
General Physics II 6 Phys 1102
D
x = m
d
1× 700× 10−9 ×1.2 -4
= −3
=8.4× 10 m=0.84mm
1× 10

22. A lamp with an intensity of 2000 cd is 4.0 ft directly above a radio on a repair bench. A
television set is 3.0 ft to the side of the radio. What is the illumination of each?
Solution: I1 = 2000 cd, r1 = 4.0 ft
From S1,
I1 2000 cd
E1 = 2
=
r 1 (4 . 0 ft )2
=1 25 fc
From S2,
2
E2 r 1
=
E1 r 2 ()
r1 2
E2 =
r2() ×E1

4 2
=
3 ()
×125=222. 2 fc

23. Suppose the light source S1 in Fig has an intensity of 2500 cd. (a) What would be the required
intensity of S2 so it produced an equal illumination on the surface? What would be the total flux
on the surface?
I1 = 2500 cd, r1 = 6.0 ft
From S1 ,
I1 2500 cd
E1 = 2
=
r 1 (6 .0 ft )2
=69 . 44 fc
From S2 ,
General Physics II 7 Phys 1102
I 2 cos 60 °
E2 =
r
22
2500 I 2 ( 0 .5 )
=
36 9
69. 44×9
I 2= =1250 cd
0 .5
E = E1 + E2 = 69.44 fc + 69.44 fc = 138.88 fc
F
E=
A
F=EA= (138 .88)(0.5)
=69.44 lumen

Chapter 2
Basic dc Circuits
24. Example 2.1 Suppose the resistances in figure (2.1) are each 10  and the battery has a
terminal voltage of 12 V.(a) What is the equivalent resistance? (b) How much current is drawn
from the battery?

Solution: It is given that

R1 =R2 =R3 =10Ω and V = 12V. Then,

(a)
Rs =R1 + R 2 + R3
= 10 +10 +10  = 30 
That is, the three 10  resistances could be equivalently replaced with a 30  resistance.

(b) With V = I
Rs ,
V 12V
I= = =0 . 40 A
R s 30 Ω
Hence, a current of 0.40 A flows through each of the resistances.

25. Example 2.2 In figure (2.4), the resistance R1 is in series with the resistances R2 and R3,
which are in parallel and the battery has a terminal voltage of 12 V. (a) What is the equivalent
resistance? (b) What is the current drawn from the battery and the current through each
resistance?

R1=6.0
Figure 2.4 The resistance R1 is in
V=12V series with the resistances R2 and R3 ,
R2=10 R3=15
which are in parallel.
General Physics II 8 Phys 1102

Solution: It is given that R1 = 6.0 ,R2 = 10 , R3 = 15 , and V = 12V

R 2 R 3 ( 10Ω )(15 Ω)
R p= = =6 Ω
(a) R2 + R3 10 Ω+15 Ω

hence , R1 and RP in series are combined.

Rs =R1 +R P =6 Ω+6 Ω=12 Ω
Hence, the three resistances in the series-parallel arrangement could be equivalently
replaced by a 12 resistance. The current supplied by the battery is then
V 12 V
I= = =1A
(b) R 2 12 Ω

The current 1 A is drawn from the battery. Since R 1 is in series with the battery, a current of
1 A flows through R1. The voltage drop across R1 is then
V 1 =I 1 R1 =(1 A )(6 Ω)=6 V

The voltage drop across RP is V P =I 1 R P =(1 A )(6 Ω)=6 V

VP is the voltage drop across both R2 and R3 and

VP 6V V3 6V
I2= = =0 . 6 A I3= = =0 . 4 A
R2 10 Ω , R 3 15 Ω

26. Example 2.3 Find the currents in the branches in the given circuit using Kirchhoff's
rules.
R1= 2 I2 V2 = 12V

I1 I3

V1 = 6 V R3= 2 R2= 4

Solution: Applying Kirchhoff's rules,

General Physics II 9 Phys 1102
Current rule: I1 – I2 – I3 = 0
Voltage rule:
loop1; V 1 – I1 R 1 – I3 R 3 = 6 – 2 I 1 – 2 I3 = 0
loop2; -V2 – I2 R2 – (-I3 )R3 = -12 – 4 I2 + 2 I3 = 0
-6 – 2 I1 – 4 I2 = 0
and I1 = -2 I2 - 3
Substituting this into the current rule
I1 – I2 – I3 = (-2 I2 – 3) – I2 – I3 = 0
I3
and I2 = - 3 -1
Putting this into the loop 2 equation
−I 3
-12 – 4( 3 - 1) + 2 I3 =0
10
and 3 I3 = 8
 I3 = 2.4 A
−I 3 −2.4
and I2 = 3 -1= 3 - 1 = - 1.8 A

The minus sign indicates that I2 is in the opposite direction to that assumed in the
figure. Finally,
I1 = I2 + I3 = -1.8 + 2.4 = 0.6 A
Hence, I1 + I2 flow into the junction and I1 + I2 = I3

27. Example 2.4 Determine the current I, through the battery.

2 7 

20V
0.3  6   

8 

Solution: Since 7, 1 and 10 are in series,

Rs = 7 + 1 + 10 = 18 
18 is parallel with 6 , their combined resistance Rp is
General Physics II 10 Phys 1102
1
1 1
Rp
= 18 + 6
Rp = 4.5 
The equivalent resistance R is
R = 4.5 + 2 + 8 + 0.3
= 14.8 
Then, the current through the battery
E 20
I= = =1 . 35 A
R 14 . 8
28. Example 2.5 In the circuit shown, determine (a) the current in the 4 resistance and (b) the
potential difference across ab, fc and ed.

E1 = 2V
I1 r1 = 1

E2 = 3V
I2 r2 = 25

I3 4

Solution:
(a) By Kirchhoff's first law
(1) I2 = I1 + I3 at junction f. By Kirchhoff's second law.
(2) Around the (fcbaf) circuit, 3 – 2 I2 – 5 I2 – 4 I3 = 0
(3) Around the (fcdef) circuit, 3 – 2 I2 – 5 I2 + 2 – 1 I1 = 0
Solving equation (1),(2) and (3), we get I1 = 0.872A, I2 = 0.590A,
I3 = - 0.282 A. The current in the 4 resistance is 0282 A, from a to b,
the minus sign shows that it is opposite to the assume direction.
(b) p.d across ab = 0.282  4 = 1.13V
p.d across fc = (-3) + 0.590 (2+5) = 1V
p.d across ed = 2 – 0.872  1 = 1.3 V

29. Example 2.6 In the given figure, E1 = 12 V, r1 = 0.2 , E2 = 6 V, r2 = 0.1 , R3 = 1.4,

R4 = 2.3 , Compute (a) the current in the circuit, in magnitude and direction, and (b) the
General Physics II 11 Phys 1102
potential difference Vac.

E1, r1E2, r2

R4 R3

Solution: (a) Let the current in the circuit be 1 as shown in the given figure.
By kirchhoff's 2nd Law (Loop abcda)
E1 – I r1 – E2 – I r2 – I R3 – I R4 = 0
12 – (I  0.2) – 6 – (I  0.1) – (I  1.4) – (I  2.3) = 0
 I = 1.5 A
(b) By formula,
Vac =IR–E
= I (r2 + R3) – (-E2)
= (1.5  1.5) + 6 = 8.25 V

30. Example 2.7 Determine the currents I1, I2 and I3 in the branches of the network shown
in the figure. 15V, 1 
I1

10V, 0.5  9.5 

I2

1.4 

3V, 0.1  I3

Solution:
By Kirchhoff's Current Rule: at junction d,
I1 + I 2 + I 3 = 0 (1)
By voltage rule: around (abdca):
15 – 1I1 – 9.5 I1 + 0.5 I2 + 10 = 0 (2)
Around the loop, (cdfec):
-10 – 0.5 I2 + 1.4 I3 –3 + 0.1 I3 = 0 (3)
General Physics II 12 Phys 1102
Solving eqns (1), (2) + (3) we obtain:
I1 =2A, I2 = -8A, I3 = 6 A
The minus sign indicates that the direction of I2 is from d to c.

31. Example 2.8 In a slide-wire Wheatstone bridge circuit, a fixed-value resistor, R3 = 150, is
used. When the bridge circuit is balanced, the tap key is at the 40 cm position on the meter stick.
What is the value of the unknown resistance?

Solution: It is given that R3 = 150, ℓ 1=40 cm , and ℓ 1=40 cm , . Then,

R1 ℓ 40 cm
R x=R3
( ) ( )
R2
=R3 1 =(150 Ω )
ℓ2 60 cm(=100 Ω )
32. For resistances in a series circuit, how are the voltage drops across the resistances related to the
voltage rise of the battery?
In a circuit with resistances in series, the voltage rise V of the voltage source (e.g., a battery) is
equal to the sum of the voltage drops across the individual resistances.

33. Is the equivalent series resistance always greater than the smallest resistance in the series
arrangement? Explain.
Yes. In a series circuit, the current through each resistance is the same.
I = I 1 = I2 = I 3
Thus we may write with V = IR
Vs = V1 + V2 + V3
IRs = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 = I (R1 + R2 + R3)
Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 (series resistances)
Where Rs is the equivalent resistance of the series arrangement.

34. For resistances in parallel, how are the voltage drops across the resistances related to the voltage
rise of the battery?
In a circuit with resistances in parallel, the voltage drop across each resistance is equal to the
voltage rise of the battery.

35. How does the current divide at a parallel junction in a circuit with respect to the resistances in the
parallel branches?
General Physics II 13 Phys 1102
The current divides according to the resistances in the parallel branches with the greatest amount
of current taking “the path of least resistance”.

36. What is the effect of two batteries in series with opposite directional polarity?
With polarities in opposite directions, the two batteries may be equivalently replaced with a
single battery having a voltage equal to the absolute difference of their individual voltages.

37. What is the effect of two batteries in series with the same directional polarity?
With polarities in the same direction, the two batteries may be equivalently replaced
with a single battery having a voltage equal to the sum of the individual sources.

38. Three resistors of 10andare connected in series with a 12V battery. (a) What is the
voltage drop across each resistor? (b) How much power is dissipated in each resistor?
Solution: Resistors in series
R = R1 + R2 + R3 = 10 + 20 + 30 = 60
V 12
V = IR, I = = =0.2 A
R 60
In a series circuit, the current through each resistance is the same. I = I1 = I2 = I3.
(a) V1 = I1 R1 = (0.2A)(10V
V2 = I2 R2= (0.2A)(20V
V3 = I3 R3 = (0.2A)(30V
(b) P1 = V1I1 = (2V)(0.2A) = 0.4W
P2 = V2I2 = (4V)(0.2A) = 0.8W
P1 = V3I3 = (6V)(0.2A) = 1.2W

39. What resistance should be connected in parallel with a 5resistor in a circuit with a 12V source
so that a current of 3A is drawn from the source?
Solution: V = 12V, I = 3A, R1 = 5 , R2 = ?
R1 R2
Rp =
R 1+ R 2
V
Rp =
I
5 R2 12
=
5+ R2 3
General Physics II 14 Phys 1102
5 R2
=4
5+ R2
5R2 = 20 + 4R2
R2 = 20

40. How long a piece of aluminum wire 1mm in diameter is needed to give a resistance of 4  ?
Assume t = 20ºC,  = 2.8  10-8 m.

Solution: d = 1mm = 1 x 10-3 m, R = 4 , t = 20 ºC, = 2.8 x 10-8 m, l = ?

ρl
R=
A
RA R π d 2 4 3.14 × 1×10−6
l= = = = 1.12 x 102 = 112m
ρ ρ 4 2.8× 10−8
4

41. A coil of wire has a resistance of 25  at 20ºC and a resistance of 25.17  at 35ºC. What is the
temperature coefficient of resistance?
R = R35 – R20 = 0.17
T = (35 – 20) ºC = 15 ºC
R =  R0 
∆R
R 0.17
α = 20 = =4.53× 10− 4 ℃ −1
∆ T 25 ×15
42. A wire of resistance 10 is drawn out to three times its original length. What is the new
resistance of the wire?
ρl
R = 10 , l '=3 l , R = ? We have R = and same wire.  is also same.
A
V = V
Al = Al '
A l = A 3l
A = 3 A
ρl
R=
A
R ' ρ l' A 3 l 3 A '
= =
R A' ρ l A' l l
General Physics II 15 Phys 1102
R = 90

43. What is the equivalent resistance of the arrangement shown in figure if all of the resistors are
10

R2 and R3 are in series. R6 and R7 are in series.

Ra = 10 + 10 = 20 Rd = 10 + 10 = 20
Ra and R4 are in parallel. Rd and Rc are in parallel.
1 1 1 1+ 2 3 1 1 1 16.67+ 20 36.67
= + = = = + = =
R b 20 10 20 20 R e 20 16.67 333.4 333.4
Rb = 6.67 Re = 0.11
R5 and Rb are in series. R1, Re and R8 are in series.
Rc = 6.67 + 10 = 16.67 R = 10 + 0.11 + 10 = 20.11

44. In the Figure, what is the potential difference across each of the three resistors?

4

6
8A
a
3

5A
Solution: At junction a, I1 = I2 + I3
I3 = I 1 – I2
I3 = 8- 5 = 3A
For 6 resistor, V1 = I1R1 = (8A)(6) = 48V
For 3 resistor, V2 = I2R2 = (5A)(3) = 15V
For 4 resistor, V3 = I3R3 = (3A)(4) = 12V
General Physics II 16 Phys 1102
45. What are the currents I, I1 and I2 and the total resistance of the circuit of the given circuit
diagram?
E = 12V

R1=50 I
I1

R2=150
I2

Solution: E = 12V, R1 = 50, R2 = 150 , I1 = ?, I2 = ?

R1 and R2 are in parallel.
1 1 1 1 1 4
= + = + =
R p R 1 R 2 50 150 150
Rp = 37.5
E 12
I= = =0.32 A
R p 37.5
There is no internal resistance of the battery.
V1 = V2 = E =12V
V 1 12
I1 = = =0.24 A
R1 50
V 2 12
I2 = = =0.08 A
R2 150

46. What are the currents I and I2 and voltage across the battery, if I1 = 0.3 A?

R1 = 80  E
R2 = 25 
I
R3 = 15  R1 I1
a

R2 I2 R3

Solution: I1 = 0.3A, R1 = 80, R2 = 25, R3 = 15

R2 and R3 are in series.
Rs = R2 + R3 = 25 + 15 = 40
Rs and R1 are in parallel.
1 1 1 2+1 3
= + = =
R p 40 80 80 80
General Physics II 17 Phys 1102
Rp = 26.67
There is no internal resistance of the battery.
E = V1 = I1R1
E = (0.3A)(80) = 24V
E 24
I= = =0.9 A
R p 26.67
At junction a, I = I1 + I2
I2 = I – I1= 0.9 – 0.3 = 0.6A

47. Compute the currents in the circuit below with V1 = 20V, V2 = 6V, R1 =4, R2 = 1 and R3 = 5 

R1I2 V2

I1
I3

R3 R2
V1

Solution: V1 = 20V, V2 = 6V, R1 =4, R2 = 1 and R3 = 5 

y Kirchoff’s current rule, I1 = I2 + I3
By Kirchoff’s voltage rule, loop I is
V1 – I1R1 – I3R3 = 0
20 – 4I1 – 5I3 = 0 (1)
20 – 4(I2 + I3) – 5I3 = 0
20 – 4I2 – 9I3 = 0
By Kirchoff’s voltage rule, loop II is
-V2 – I2R2 + I3R3 = 0
-6 – I2 + 5I3 = 0 (2)
eqn (2) x 4 , it becomes
-24 – 4I2 + 20I3 = 0 (3)
20 – 4I2 – 9I3 = 0
eqn (3) – eq (1)
-44 + 29I3 = 0
29I3 = 44
I3 = 1.5A
Sub in eqn (2) -6 – I2 + 7.5 = 0
- I2 + 1.5 = 0
General Physics II 18 Phys 1102
I2 = 1.5A
I1 = I2 + I3 = 1.5 + 1.5 = 3A

48. A slide-wire Wheatstone bridge with a 1 meter wire is used to measure the value of an unknown
resistance. When a fixed resistor R3 = 120 is used, the value of the unknown resistance is
computed to be 40 . What is the position of the tap key when the bridge is balanced?
Solution: R3 = 120 , Rx = 40, l 1=100−l 2
l1
R x =R3 () l2

l1
40 = 120 () l2

100−l 2 40
( l2 )
=
120

300 – 3l 2 = l 2
-4l 2 = -300
l 2=75 m and l 1=25 m

49. A potentiometer uses a standard cell with 6.0V emf. With the switch in the standard circuit, a
resistance of 8.0 gives a zero ammeter reading. With the switch in the unknown cell circuit, a
resistance of 2.0 gives a zero ammeter reading. What is the emf of the unknown cell?
Solution: ℇ s =6 V , Rx = 8, Rs = 2, ℇ s =?
Rx 8
ℇ x= ( ) ()
Rs
ℇs =
2
( 6)= 24V

50. A slide-wire potentiometer has a wire length for the standard cell four times that of the wire length
for an unknown cell for the balanced conditions. (a) If a standard cell with an emf of 12.0V is used,
what is the emf of the unknown cell? (b) What would be the case if the unknown cell had an emf
of 12.0V?
l s =4 l x , ℇ s =12V ℇ x =12V
lx lx
(a) ℇ x =¿ () ℇ
ls s
(b) ℇ x =¿ () ℇ
ls s

lx ls 4lx
¿ ( )
4 lx
( 12 ) = 3V ℇ s =¿
() ( )
lx
ℇ x =¿
lx
( 12 ) =48V
General Physics II 19 Phys 1102

Chapter 3
Solar energy technology

51. SG Example 3.1 A 100 ft x 50 ft building has a flat roof. What is the average solar energy
received by the roof in a month ( 30 days )? (1kWh = 3.4 × 103 Btu)
Solution: The energy received per area in one month ( 30 days) with
E
=(1. 6 × 10 3 Btu ft -2 day -1 )×(30 days)
1.6 x 103 Btu ft-2 day-1 is A
= 4.8×10 4 Btu ft-2
The area of flat roof Af = 100 ft × 50 ft = 5000 ft2
Hence, the average solar energy received by the roof in a month is
E
Eav = ( )
A f
A= 4 -2
( 4.8×10 Btu ft )(5 ¿ 103 ft2)
=2.4 × 108 Btu
or Eav = 7.0 × 104 kWh = 70,000 kWh
Note: an average home electrical power energy per month without electric heat uses is
about 1200 to 1500 kWh.
General Physics II 20 Phys 1102
52. SG Example 3.2 A minimum energy of about 1.7× 10-19 J is needed to free an electron in a
silicon solar cell. What is the minimum frequency of a photon that will produce an electron-
hole pair?

Solution: It is given that E = 1.7× 10-19 J

Then E = hf, where h = Planck;s constant
−19
E 1. 7×10 J
f= =
h 6 . 63×10−34 J −s
= 2.6 x 1014 s-1 (or) Hz
Since c = f, where c = velocity of light
10 −1
c 3×10 cms
λ= =
f 2 . 6×1014 s−1
= 1.2 × 10-4 cm

53. SG Example 3.3 Assuming a 15 percent efficiency of solar cells, what would be the
area of a solar cell array required to produce 50kW-h of energy for the daily electrical
requirements of a home? (Take the average solar energy density received per day to be
5.0kWhm-2)
Solution: With 15% efficiency of solar energy converted to electrical energy per
area in one day is
E0 E
= ×( efficiency )
A A

= ( 5.0kW-hm-2 )
× (1005 )
= 0.75kWhm-2
Where E0 is the electrical output.
Then E0 = 5.0kWh
E0
A=
0 . 75 kWhm−2
50 kWh
=
0 .75 kWhm−2
= 67 m2 (or) 724ft2 (since 1m2 = 10.8ft2 )

PROBLEMS

54. What is the temperature of the Sun's surface in degrees (a) Celsius and (b) Fahrenheit?
The temperature of the Sun’s surface is (a) 5727°C in Celsius and (b) 10340.6 F in
Fahrenheit.

55. How much energy does the sun radiate in one day?
The sun radiates a total power output of about 3.8 × 1020 MW in one day.
General Physics II 21 Phys 1102
56. How much solar energy reaches the Earth's surface in one day? (Consider the sky to be
clear.)
About 1.7 × 1011 MW reaches the Earth’s surface in one day.

57. The area of a Sunbather's back is 3000 cm2. How much energy in calories would the bather
receive on the bath when remaining in the sunlight for 3 minutes? (Assume 50% of the
insolation reaches the Earth’s surface.)
Solution: The energy received per area in 30 minutes with
E 30
=(5 . 0 kWhm -2 day -1 )×( )
5.0 kWhm-2 day-1 is A 60×24
=0 . 104 kWh m -2
The area of a Sunbather’s back, As = 3000 cm2 = 0.3 m2
E0 E
= ×efficiency
A A
E0 50
=(0 .104 kWh m -2 )× =0. 052 kWhm− 2
A 100
Hence, the average solar energy received by the Sunbather’s back is
E
Eav = ()A=
A s ( (0 .052 kWhm−2 )(0 .3m2 )
=0.0156kWh [ 1kWh = 857cal]
or Eav = 13.39cal

58. The area of the state of Kansas is about 82,000 mi2 approximately. How much solar energy,
on the average, does Kansas receive each day?

Solution: The area of the state of Kansas Ak = 82,000 mi2 = 2.28 × 1011 ft2
The energy received per area in one day with
E
=(1. 6 × 10 3 Btu ft -2 day -1 )
1.6 10 Btu ft day is A
× 3 -2 -1

Hence, the average solar energy received by the state of Kansas is

E
Eav =( )
A f
A= 3 2 −1
( (1.6×10 Btuft day )(2.28×10 ft )
11 2

=3.648 × 1014 Btu [ 3.4 × 103 Btu = 857cal]

or Eav = 919.51cal

59. A collector plate array has an area of 20 m2. How much solar energy in kilocalories is
collected on an average day?
Solution: The area of the collector plate Ac = 20m2
The energy received per area in 30 minutes with
E
=(5 . 0 kWhm -2 day -1 )
5.0 kWhm-2 day-1 is A
General Physics II 22 Phys 1102

=5 . 0 kWh m -2
Hence, the average solar energy received by the Sunbather’s back is

Eav = ( EA ) A =
c −2 2
( (5. 0 kWhm )(20 m )
=100 kWh [ 1kWh = 857cal]
or Eav = 85700cal
= 85.7 kcal

60. An industrial plant has a flat room measuring 300 ft × 200 ft. If the average daily energy
surface density in that area is 1800 Btu ft-2, how much solar energy is received by the roof in
a week?
Solution: The energy received per area in one week with
E
=(1 800 Btuft -2 day -1 )(7 days )
A

= 12600 Btu ft-2

The area of the flat room, Af = 300 ft x 200 ft =60000 ft2

The acerage solar energy received by the flat is

E
Eav = ()
A
A f =(12600 Btuft −2 )(60000 ft 2 )

= 756 × 106Btu [ 3.4 × 103 Btu = 857cal]

= 190 × 106 cal

61. A business uses 1000 kW-h of electrical energy a day. What area in (a) m 2 (b) ft2 would
receive an equivalent amount of solar energy on an average day?

Solution: The energy received per area in one day is

E E
=5. 0 kWhm-2 day -1 =1. 6 ×103 Btuft -2 day -1
A A
Eav = 1000kWh Eav = 1000kWh
= 3.4 × 106 Btu
E E
Eav = ()
A b
A Eav = ()A
A b
6
1000 kWh 3 . 4×10
−2
=200m 2 A b= 3
=2 . 125 ×103 ft 2
b=
5 kWhm 1 . 6×10
A

62. A minimum energy of 2.0 × l0-19 J is needed to free an electron in a solar cell. What
General Physics II 23 Phys 1102
wavelength of light will not activate the cell?
Solution: It is given that E = 2.0 × 10-19 J
Then E = hf, where h = Planck;s constant
E 2. 0×10−19 J
f= =
h 6 . 63×10−34 J −s
= 3.02 × 1014 s-1 (or) Hz
Since c = f, where c = velocity of light
c 3×1010 cms−1
λ= =
f 3 .02×1014 s−1
−4
= 0.99 × 10-4 cm ¿1×10 cm

63. The maximum wavelength that will activate a solar cell is 110 nm. What is the minimum
activation energy of the cell in eV?
−9
Solution: λ max =110nm=110×10 m
−34 8
hc 6. 63×10 ×3×10
Emin = = =11.25 eV
λ max 110×10−9

64. A solar cell array has an area of 300 cm2. If the cell efficiency is 12 percent, what is the
electrical output on an average day?
E0E
= ×( efficiency )
Solution: A A
12
= ( 5.0kWhm-2 )
× ( )
100
= 0.6kWhm-2
E0 is electrical output.
E0
=0 . 6 kWhm−2
A
E0 = (0.6kWhm-2)(3× 10-2m2)= 1.8 × 10-2kWh = 18Wh

65. A single solar cell with an area of 4.0 cm2 has an electrical energy output of 2.8 × l0-4 kWh.
If the solar energy density is 4.0 kW-h m2, what is the efficiency of the cell?
Solution: The area of solar cell = 4cm2 = 4 × 10-4m2
E0 = 2.8 × 10-4 kWh
E
=4 kWhm−2
The energy density per day is A
E0 E
= ×efficiency
As A
2 . 8×10−4
=4×efficiency
4×10−4
General Physics II 24 Phys 1102
0.7
efficiency= ×100 %=17 .5 %
4

66. Solar cell with an efficiency of 10 percent is used in an array that is to have a daily output of
1.0 kWh. What is the required area of the array if the solar energy density if the solar
energy density per day is 6.5 kWhm-2?
E
=6 .5 kWhm−2
Solution : The energy density per day A
E0 E
= ×efficiency
As A
E0 10
=6 . 5 kWhm−2 ×
As 100
1 kWh 100
A= ×
−2 10
6 . 5 kWhm

= 1.54 m2