Final answer:
To calculate the total energy used by the air conditioner, we can use the formula: Energy input (joules) = Energy output (BTU) * EER * Conversion factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine the total energy used by the air conditioner, we need to calculate the energy input in joules. From the information given, we know that the air conditioner has an energy efficiency rating (EER) of 12.0. The EER is defined as the number of British thermal units of heat transfer from a cold environment per hour divided by the watts of power input. Therefore, to calculate the energy input, we can use the formula:
Energy input (joules) = Energy output (BTU) * EER * Conversion factor
Since 1 British Thermal Unit (BTU) is equal to 1055.06 joules, the conversion factor is 1055.06. Plugging in the values given in the question, we get:
Energy input (joules) = 48,000 BTU * 12.0 * 1055.06 = 6,142,464 joules.