The Curiosity rover landed on Mars on August 6, 2012, and is currently exploring the surface. Curiosity uses a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) to provide power for all operations. The Curiosity RTG has a maximum output of 110 watts [W], and loses 2000 watts [W] as heat. By comparison, Viking 1 spacecraft launched in 1975. The Viking 1 has an input power of 0.75 horsepower [hp] and loses 525 watts [W] to heat. Which device is more efficient? Click the icon to view the convertion table for power. BECER The efficiency of Curiousity is%. (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

Elements Of Electromagnetics
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ISBN:9780190698614
Author:Sadiku, Matthew N. O.
Publisher:Sadiku, Matthew N. O.
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**Mars Rover Power Efficiency Comparison**

The Curiosity rover landed on Mars on August 6, 2012, and is currently exploring the surface. It uses a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) to provide power for all operations. The RTG has a maximum output of 110 watts (W), and loses 2000 watts (W) as heat. By comparison, the Viking 1 spacecraft launched in 1975. The Viking 1 has an input power of 0.75 horsepower (hp) and loses 525 watts (W) to heat. 

**Efficiency Evaluation**

To determine which device is more efficient, consider the following:

1. **Curiosity Rover:**
   - Maximum Power Output: 110 W
   - Power Lost as Heat: 2000 W

2. **Viking 1 Spacecraft:**
   - Input Power: 0.75 hp (approximately 559.5 W)
   - Power Lost as Heat: 525 W

**Conversion and Calculation**

Use the appropriate conversion tables to compare the efficiencies. Consider input power, output power, and heat loss.

**Efficiency Calculation**

- **Efficiency of Curiosity:**

  Efficiency = (Output Power / Total Power Input) x 100%

  Total Power Input = Output Power + Power Lost

- **Prompted Calculation:**

  "The efficiency of Curiosity is [ ]%. (Round your answer to one decimal place.)"

By analyzing these elements, one can assess and compare the efficiency of these Mars exploration devices.
Transcribed Image Text:**Mars Rover Power Efficiency Comparison** The Curiosity rover landed on Mars on August 6, 2012, and is currently exploring the surface. It uses a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) to provide power for all operations. The RTG has a maximum output of 110 watts (W), and loses 2000 watts (W) as heat. By comparison, the Viking 1 spacecraft launched in 1975. The Viking 1 has an input power of 0.75 horsepower (hp) and loses 525 watts (W) to heat. **Efficiency Evaluation** To determine which device is more efficient, consider the following: 1. **Curiosity Rover:** - Maximum Power Output: 110 W - Power Lost as Heat: 2000 W 2. **Viking 1 Spacecraft:** - Input Power: 0.75 hp (approximately 559.5 W) - Power Lost as Heat: 525 W **Conversion and Calculation** Use the appropriate conversion tables to compare the efficiencies. Consider input power, output power, and heat loss. **Efficiency Calculation** - **Efficiency of Curiosity:** Efficiency = (Output Power / Total Power Input) x 100% Total Power Input = Output Power + Power Lost - **Prompted Calculation:** "The efficiency of Curiosity is [ ]%. (Round your answer to one decimal place.)" By analyzing these elements, one can assess and compare the efficiency of these Mars exploration devices.
Expert Solution
Step 1

Given:

for Curiosity

maximum power output = 110 watts

power loss = 2000 watts

For Viking

input power = 0.75 hp

power loss = 525 watts

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