The amount of energy collected by a solar panel depends on the intensity of the sun’s rays and the area of the panel. Let the vector I represent the intensity, in watts per square centimeter, having the direction of the sun’s rays. Let the vector A represent the area, in square centimeters, whose direction is the orientation of a solar panel. See the figure. The total number of watts collected by the panel is given by W = |I٠A|.
(a) Find ||I|| and ||A||, and interpret the meaning of each.
(b) Compute W and interpret its meaning.
(c) If the solar panel is to collect the maximum number of watts, what must be true about I and A?
