Chapter 18, Problem 42E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The amount of solar energy received by earth is given. Mass of solar energy converted to energy over a $24$ -hour period to provide the daily amount of solar energy to the earth is to be calculated. Mass of coal required to be burned to provide the same amount of energy is to be stated.

Concept introduction: Energy change of a system can be calculated by Einstein’s theory of relativity. When a system loses or gains energy, it also gains or loses a quantity of mass given by ${\text{E/c}}^{\text{2}}$.

To determine: Mass of solar energy converted to energy over a $24$ -hour period to provide the daily amount of solar energy to the earth and the mass of coal required to be burned to provide the same amount of energy.