Final answer:
The size of a solar panel required to provide the daily energy intake of an average human adult (2000 kcal/day) would be approximately 914.9 cm², based on 10 hours of sunlight per day and an output of 850 kJ/ft² per hour for the solar panel.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the size of the solar panel required to sustain a human adult's energy requirement, we first convert the daily required energy intake from kilocalories to kilojoules. Since 1 kcal equals 4.184 kJ, an intake of 2000 kcal/day translates into 2000 × 4.184 kJ/day, which is 8368 kJ/day.
Next, given that there are 10 hours of usable sunlight per day and that a typical solar panel's output is 850 kJ/ft2 per hour, we calculate the total energy produced by the panel in those 10 hours. This is approximately 850 kJ/ft2 × 10 hours = 8500 kJ/ft2 per day.
To meet the human adult's daily energy requirement, we compare this to the necessary energy intake: 8368 kJ/day. Dividing the required daily energy intake by the energy output per square foot of the solar panel gives us the required area in square feet: 8368 kJ/day ÷ 8500 kJ/ft2/day = approximately 0.9847 ft2.
To convert this to centimeters squared, using the conversion factor that 1 ft2 equals 929.03 cm2, we multiply the area by this factor: 0.9847 ft2 × 929.03 cm2/ft2 = 914.9 cm2.
Hence, to meet the energy intake requirement of an average human adult, a solar panel with a size of roughly 914.9 cm2 would be necessary.