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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:
\[ \text{Efficiency} (\%) = \frac{\text{Useful Energy Output}}{\text{Total Energy Input}} \times 100 \]
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 \(500 \, \text{J}\) of energy to produce \(300 \, \text{J}\) of useful work. Calculate its efficiency.
- Formula:
\[ \text{Efficiency} (\%) = \frac{\text{Useful Energy Output}}{\text{Total Energy Input}} \times 100 \] - Substitute Values:
\[ \text{Efficiency} = \frac{300}{500} \times 100 = 60\% \]
Practice Questions
- Calculate the efficiency of a solar panel that absorbs \(1,000 \, \text{J}\) of sunlight and converts \(200 \, \text{J}\) to electricity.
- Explain the role of thermoelectric materials in spacecraft design.
- Describe one way to improve energy efficiency in transportation systems.
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