Answer :
Final answer:
The solar panel array places a pressure of 0.0139 pounds per square inch (psi) on the roof, calculated by dividing the weight of the panels (900 lbm) by the area of the roof in square inches (64,800 sq inches).
Explanation:
To find the pressure that the solar panel array places on the roof, we need to calculate the area of the roof and then use the formula for pressure, which is weight divided by area. First, let's calculate the area of the roof. The roof dimensions are given as 15 feet by 30 feet, so the area is:
Area = Length * Width
Area = 15 ft *30 ft
Area = 450 sq ft
To convert this to square inches, which are the standard units for pressure in pounds per square inch (psi), we know that there are 144 sq inches in a sq foot. Therefore, the area in square inches is:
Area = 450 sq ft* 144 sq inches/sq ft
Area = 64,800 sq inches
Next, we use the weight of the solar panels (900 lbm) to find the pressure:
Pressure = Weight / Area
Pressure = 900 lbm / 64,800 sq inches
Pressure = 0.0139 lbm/sq inch (psi)
Therefore, the solar panel array places a pressure of 0.0139 psi on the roof, assuming the weight is evenly distributed.
