6) The amount of energy collected by a solar panel depends on the intensity of the sun’s rays and the area of
the panel. Let the vector I represent the intensity, in watts per square centimeter, having the direction of
the sun’s rays. Let the vector A represent the area, in square centimeters, whose direction is the orientation
of a solar panel. See the figure. The total number of watts collected by the panel is given by W = |I · A|.
Suppose I = –0.06 –0.05 and A = 200, 400 . (i) Find I and Aand interpret the meaning of each; (ii)
Compute W and interpret its meaning; (iii) If the solar panel is to collect the maximum number of watts,
what must be true about I and A?
A) (i) I= 0.078; the intensity of the sun’s rays is approximately 0.078 W/cm2. A = 447; the area of the
solar panel is approximately 447 cm2.
(ii) W = 32; 32 watts of energy is collected.
(iii) Vectors I and A should be parallel with the solar panels facing the sun.
B) (i) I= 0.006; the intensity of the sun’s rays is approximately 0.006 W/cm2. A = 200,000; the area of
the solar panel is approximately 200,000 cm2.
(ii) W = 32; 32 watts of energy is collected.
(iii) Vectors I and A should be perpendicular with the solar panels at a 90° angle to the sun.
C) (i) I= 0.078; the intensity of the sun’s rays is approximately 0.078 W/cm2. A = 447; the area of the
solar panel is approximately 447 cm2.
(ii) W = 34; 34 watts of energy is collected.
(iii) Vectors I and A should be parallel with the solar panels facing the sun.
D) (i) I= 0.033; the intensity of the sun’s rays is approximately 0.033 W/cm2. A = 346; the area of the
solar panel is approximately 346 cm2.
(ii) W = 34; 34 watts of energy is collected.
(iii) Vectors I and A should be orthogonal with the solar panels at a 45° angle to the sun.
4 Determine Whether Two Vectors Are Orthogonal
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Solve the problem.
1) Which of the following vectors is orthogonal to 20i–8j?
A) w = –10i – 25jB) w = 20i+4jC) w=15i–6jD) w =4i+3j
State whether the vectors are parallel, orthogonal, or neither.
2) v = 3i + j
w = i – 3j
A) Orthogonal B) Parallel C) Neither
3) v = 2i + 3j
w = 3i – 2j
A) Orthogonal B) Parallel C) Neither
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