Chapter 1, Problem 109AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of years expected to exhaust the world’s petroleum supply is to be calculated when present rate of consumption is given.

Concept introduction:

Dimensional analysis is a way to convert units of measurement. In order to convert one unit to another, the relationship between those units is to be predicted. These relationships are called conversion factors. Dimensional analysis is used to set up and solve a unit conversion problem using conversion factors.

The conversion factor is a fraction obtained from a relationship between the units. It is written as a ratio and can be inverted to give two conversion factors.

The conversion factor is as follows: $\frac{\text{1yr}}{\text{1}{\text{.8×10}}^{\text{20}}\text{J}}$.