A mouse is sitting in the sun. Solar radiation provides a net intake of energy of 30 milliwatts per minute, and infrared radiation provides an additional net input of 8 milliwatts per minute. Conductive and convective outputs are a combined 55 milliwatts per minute. There is no detectable change in heat from evaporation. Assuming that the mouse is maintaining a constant temperature, how much heat must it be generating per minute?
A) 17 milliwatts
B) 25 milliwatts
C) 33 milliwatts
D) 38 milliwatts

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To maintain a constant temperature, the total energy input must equal the total energy output. The mouse receives 30 + 8 = 38 milliwatts from solar and infrared radiation. The conductive and convective outputs are 55 milliwatts. Therefore, the mouse must generate 55 - 38 = 17 milliwatts of heat per minute to balance the energy equation.

A Mouse Is Sitting in the Sun