Photosynthesis Is a Very Inefficient Process for Converting Sunlight into

question 7

Essay

Photosynthesis is a very inefficient process for converting sunlight into
usable chemical energy. While the theoretical efficiency is 25%, the actual efficiency is affected by the wavelength distribution of the light, the absorptance of the plant matter, and various other factors and may typically be in the range of about 1%. Using the energy content of wood as a guide and the average solar insolation of 168 W/m² (Chapter 8), how much land area would be needed to fulfill an average person's energy needs (in the United
States)? Assume that biomass energy content can be converted into end user energy with the same efficiency as current energy sources (Chapter 2).

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Definitions:

Explicit Memory

Memory in which there is conscious awareness of remembering information.

Hippocampus

A major component of the brain, located in the medial temporal lobe, important for memory formation and spatial navigation.

Implicit Memory

Memory that is not deliberately recollected but manifests in skills and conditioned behaviors.

Explicit Memory

The conscious, intentional recollection of factual information, previous experiences, and concepts.