Question

Solar panels are used to gather energy to heat a swimming pool. Which energy conversion best describes this process?

a) Chemical to radiant
b) Mechanical to thermal
c) Thermal to nuclear
d) Radiant to thermal

Answer 1

The process of using solar panels to heat a swimming pool involves converting radiant energy from the sun into thermal energy. This conversion is typically seen in solar thermal power plants and is distinct from the process in photovoltaic cells, where solar energy is directly converted into electricity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy conversion that best describes the process of using solar panels to gather energy to heat a swimming pool is radiant to thermal energy. This process occurs in solar thermal power plants, where sunlight is concentrated onto a substance, usually a fluid or water, to heat it up. The thermal energy stored in the heated fluid is then used to raise the temperature of the pool. In a photovoltaic cell, however, the energy transformation that takes place is the conversion of solar energy directly into electric energy, which is achieved using semiconductors and the photoelectric effect.