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In an article describing small nuclear reactors that are designed to be retrofitted into coal plants, Dr. Jose Reyes of Oregon State University says "One module will produce 60 megawatts of electricity. That's enough for about 50 thousand homes." \(^{3}\) How much electricity per home is this?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Each home would receive 1.2 kilowatts of electricity.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

We need to calculate the amount of electricity produced per home if a single module produces 60 megawatts and serves 50 thousand homes. This is a simple division problem.
02

Setting up the Division

To find the electricity produced per home, divide the total electricity produced by the number of homes served. We have 60 megawatts for 50,000 homes.
03

Performing the Division

Calculate the electricity per home by performing the division: \( \frac{60 \text{ megawatts}}{50,000 \text{ homes}} \).
04

Converting to the Desired Units

Since we are looking for the amount per home, make sure the resulting number is in a single homeowner-friendly unit, such as kilowatts.
05

Final Calculation

Now convert megawatts to kilowatts knowing that 1 megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts: \(60 \text{ megawatts} = 60,000 \text{ kilowatts}\). Divide this by the number of homes: \(\frac{60,000 \text{ kilowatts}}{50,000 \text{ homes}} = 1.2 \text{ kilowatts per home}\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Mathematical Division
Division is a foundational operation in mathematics, serving as a process of distributing a group into equal parts. When we talk about dividing something, like electricity, we're finding out how it can be shared evenly across different recipients—in our case, homes.

For example, if a small nuclear reactor produces 60 megawatts of power and that energy needs to be distributed to 50,000 homes, division is used to calculate precisely how much electricity each home would get. We divide the total power by the number of homes to find the result. It's like splitting a pie into equal slices, ensuring each person at a gathering gets the same amount. Attaining such clarity in how resources are allocated is why division plays an essential role in everyday life, well beyond just mathematical exercises.
Unit Conversion
In the realm of mathematics and science, unit conversion is a critical skill. It's the process of converting a quantity expressed in one type of unit to another type of unit to ensure consistency and understanding. This is particularly important when different scales of measurement are used.

For instance, we come across various units of measurement for energy like joules, calories, BTUs, kilowatts, and megawatts. In our exercise, converting megawatts (MW) to kilowatts (kW) is a common task that aids in presenting information that's more relatable to the average homeowner, who might be familiar with kilowatts due to their prevalence on residential electricity bills. Grasping unit conversion allows students to navigate and make sense of different scales and measurements in real-world scenarios.
Megawatts to Kilowatts
Understanding how to convert larger units of power like megawatts to smaller units such as kilowatts is integral in simplifying complex data into accessible information. One megawatt (MW) is equivalent to 1,000 kilowatts (kW). This is similar to knowing that 1,000 grams make up a kilogram when dealing with weight.

In our context, converting megawatts to kilowatts brings the astronomical figures of power generation down to the household level. When Dr. Jose Reyes mentions a module producing 60 megawatts, we multiply by 1,000 to convert this figure into 60,000 kilowatts. This 'scaling down' helps people to better grasp the magnitude of the power generated since kilowatts are a unit commonly seen in residential settings on monthly electric bills and on household appliances.
Math in Energy Production
The application of math in energy production enables us to quantify and manage the resources we use. It helps in planning the generation, distribution, and utilization of energy. Specifically, mathematical division plays a part in determining how much power generation is needed to meet demand, or in our case, how much electricity each home can expect from a certain amount of generated power.

Mathematics is also used to forecast future energy needs, optimize energy systems for efficiency, and rationalize the costs associated with energy production. Hence, simple math operations like division, along with unit conversions as part of a comprehensive toolkit, can provide vital insights into the practical aspects of power usage and management, shaping the design and operation of energy systems around the world.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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