Final answer:
Solar ponds store thermal energy through the heating of water. The energy stored is calculated using the change in water temperature, water's mass, and its specific heat capacity. A temperature increase from 22.0°C to 38.0°C in a 400L volume indicates significant energy absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Solar ponds are used to store thermal energy, with water temperature typically rising due to solar heat absorption. The amount of energy stored is calculated based on the temperature increase and the properties of water.
A solar pond acts like a battery, storing energy from the sun. The energy is captured as thermal energy in the water. For instance, if a home solar energy system uses 400 liters of water, which heats up from 22.0°C to 38.0°C, we can determine the amount of energy absorbed. To calculate this, we use the specific heat capacity of water and apply it to the formula Q = mcΔT, where 'Q' is the heat energy stored, 'm' is the mass of the water, 'c' is the specific heat capacity of water (roughly 4.18 J/g°C), and 'ΔT' is the change in temperature.
First, we must convert the volume of water (400 L) to mass, knowing that the density of water at 22.0°C is about 0.998 g/mL. Thus, the water’s mass is 400,000 mL * 0.998 g/mL = 399,200 g. With the temperature change of 16.0°C, the energy stored is 399,200 g * 4.18 J/g°C * 16.0°C, which is approximately 26,733,696 joules or 26.7 MJ.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Identify the initial and final temperatures of the water to determine the temperature change (ΔT).
- Calculate the mass of the water using its volume and density.
- Apply the specific heat capacity of water to the formula Q = mcΔT to calculate the stored energy.
- Complete the calculation to find the amount of thermal energy the water has stored.