A small heater is used to keep critical components from getting too cold in space. The device yields an output of 87.5 kilocalories [kcal] of heat energy over a time span of 2 hours [h]. The circuit contains a 0.4 ohm [2] resistor and is 90% efficient. What is the input voltage in units of volts [V]?

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**Problem: Calculating Input Voltage for a Space Heater Circuit**

A small heater is used to keep critical components from getting too cold in space. The device yields an output of 87.5 kilocalories (kcal) of heat energy over a time span of 2 hours. The circuit contains a 0.4 ohm (Ω) resistor and is 90% efficient. What is the input voltage in units of volts (V)?

---

**Solution Explanation:**

1. **Energy Conversion:**
   - To find the power requirement in watts (W), convert kilocalories to joules:
     \[
     \text{1 kcal} = 4184 \text{ joules}
     \]
     \[
     \text{87.5 kcal} = 87.5 \times 4184 \text{ joules}
     \]

2. **Calculate the total energy in joules over 2 hours.**

3. **Efficiency Adjustment:**
   - Since the circuit is only 90% efficient, the actual energy input needed is:
     \[
     \text{Energy Input} = \frac{\text{Energy Output}}{0.9}
     \]

4. **Power Calculation:**
   - Power (P) is energy divided by time:
     \[
     P = \frac{\text{Total Energy in joules}}{\text{Time in seconds}}
     \]

5. **Voltage Calculation:**
   - Using the power and resistance, calculate the input voltage (V) using Ohm's Law: 
     \[
     P = \frac{V^2}{R} \rightarrow V = \sqrt{P \times R}
     \]

6. **Conclusion:**
   - The input voltage is synthesized to balance energy requirements, resistance, and efficiency constraints for optimal operation in the harsh conditions of space.

---

This explanation breaks down the problem for learners into manageable steps involving energy conversion, efficiency correction, power, and electrical circuit concepts.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem: Calculating Input Voltage for a Space Heater Circuit** A small heater is used to keep critical components from getting too cold in space. The device yields an output of 87.5 kilocalories (kcal) of heat energy over a time span of 2 hours. The circuit contains a 0.4 ohm (Ω) resistor and is 90% efficient. What is the input voltage in units of volts (V)? --- **Solution Explanation:** 1. **Energy Conversion:** - To find the power requirement in watts (W), convert kilocalories to joules: \[ \text{1 kcal} = 4184 \text{ joules} \] \[ \text{87.5 kcal} = 87.5 \times 4184 \text{ joules} \] 2. **Calculate the total energy in joules over 2 hours.** 3. **Efficiency Adjustment:** - Since the circuit is only 90% efficient, the actual energy input needed is: \[ \text{Energy Input} = \frac{\text{Energy Output}}{0.9} \] 4. **Power Calculation:** - Power (P) is energy divided by time: \[ P = \frac{\text{Total Energy in joules}}{\text{Time in seconds}} \] 5. **Voltage Calculation:** - Using the power and resistance, calculate the input voltage (V) using Ohm's Law: \[ P = \frac{V^2}{R} \rightarrow V = \sqrt{P \times R} \] 6. **Conclusion:** - The input voltage is synthesized to balance energy requirements, resistance, and efficiency constraints for optimal operation in the harsh conditions of space. --- This explanation breaks down the problem for learners into manageable steps involving energy conversion, efficiency correction, power, and electrical circuit concepts.
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