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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The Answer of 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).

Photosynthesis Is a Very Inefficient Process for Converting Sunlight into