Final answer:
The engineering problem students are trying to solve is designing and building an effective solar oven that can efficiently capture, convert, and store solar energy. They must consider materials and insulation to prevent heat exchange, using principles of calorimetry and thermal conductivity. The effectiveness of the design could be evaluated using a thermometer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The students are trying to solve an engineering problem related to the design, construction, and optimization of a solar oven. This involves understanding and applying principles of thermal energy transfer, specifically how to capture, convert, and store solar energy effectively. They might need to consider materials that reflect sunlight, insulation to prevent heat exchange with the environment, and how to make these materials work together efficiently.
The challenge tests the students' understanding of the principles of calorimetry, the science of measuring heat, and thermal conductivity, meaning how well materials can transport heat. They will have to design an oven that can absorb maximum solar energy and convert it into thermal energy for cooking, which requires an understanding of heat transfer mechanisms like conduction, convection, and radiation.
The success of their solar oven design can be tested using a thermometer. The higher the temperature achieved inside the oven compared to the outside environment, the more effective their design is at converting and storing solar energy.
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