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Applied Science: Energy Efficiency and Thermoelectric Materials
What Is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency measures how effectively energy input is converted into useful output.
Formula:
![\[ \text{Efficiency} (\%) = \frac{\text{Useful Energy Output}}{\text{Total Energy Input}} \times 100 \]](https://skinattuition.co.uk/core/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-eb8fee564f60988f40ac1c9e89f7957b_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Thermoelectric Materials
Thermoelectric materials convert heat directly into electricity using the Seebeck effect.
Applications:
- Power Generation: Capturing waste heat from industrial processes
- Space Exploration: Powering spacecraft with thermoelectric generators
Applications of Energy Efficiency
Buildings
Energy-efficient materials reduce heating and cooling costs.
Transportation
Hybrid and electric vehicles minimize energy losses.
Electronics
Energy-efficient circuits reduce power consumption in devices.
Example Problem
A machine uses 
of energy to produce 
of useful work. Calculate its efficiency.
- Formula:
![\[ \text{Efficiency} (\%) = \frac{\text{Useful Energy Output}}{\text{Total Energy Input}} \times 100 \]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIzNTIiIGhlaWdodD0iNDEiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAzNTIgNDEiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIHN0eWxlPSJmaWxsOiNjZmQ0ZGI7ZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5OiAwLjE7Ii8+PC9zdmc+ "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
- Substitute Values:
![\[ \text{Efficiency} = \frac{300}{500} \times 100 = 60\% \]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyMzMiIGhlaWdodD0iMzYiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMzMgMzYiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIHN0eWxlPSJmaWxsOiNjZmQ0ZGI7ZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5OiAwLjE7Ii8+PC9zdmc+ "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
![\[ \text{Efficiency} = \frac{300}{500} \times 100 = 60\% \]](https://skinattuition.co.uk/core/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-3338b8d29e18c8058299f501d5dd4c02_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Practice Questions
- Calculate the efficiency of a solar panel that absorbs
of sunlight and converts 
to electricity. - Explain the role of thermoelectric materials in spacecraft design.
- Describe one way to improve energy efficiency in transportation systems.
of sunlight and converts 
to electricity.Skinat Tuition | Shaping Future Leaders Through Global Tutoring Expertise.