The sun supplies electromagnetic energy to the earth. It appears to have an effective temperature of approximately 5800 K. On a clear summer day in North America, the energy incident on a surface facing the sun is approximately 0.95 kW/m2. The electromagnetic solar energy can be converted into thermal energy by being absorbed on a darkened surface. How might you characterize the work potential of the sun’s energy when it is to be used to produce work?

The sun supplies electromagnetic energy to the earth. It appears to have an effective temperature of approximately 5800 K. On a clear summer day in North America, the energy incident on a surface facing the sun is approximately 0.95 kW/m2. The electromagnetic solar energy can be converted into thermal energy by being absorbed on a darkened surface. How might you characterize the work potential of the sun’s energy when it is to be used to produce work?