asked 122k views
1 vote
Large planes typically carry about 500 people (passengers, flight crew): Estimate the energy one person uses in one round-trip from Phoenix to London to Phoenix (in Joule)

asked
User Lothario
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

7 votes

The estimated energy one person uses in one round-trip from Phoenix to London to Phoenix is approximately 2.5 million joules.

To estimate the energy used by one person on a round-trip flight from Phoenix to London to Phoenix, we need to consider the energy consumption of the airplane and divide it by the number of passengers.

Let's assume the airplane consumes an average of 1 gallon (3.785 liters) of jet fuel per mile (as a rough estimation).

The distance from Phoenix to London is approximately 5,334 miles (8,577 kilometers) in a direct flight path.

To calculate the energy content of the fuel, we need to know its energy density. Jet fuel typically has an energy density of around 35 megajoules per liter (MJ/L).

Energy content of the fuel for one mile:

1 gallon ≈ 3.785 liters

Energy content per mile = 3.785 L/mile * 35 MJ/L

Energy content per mile = 132.475 MJ/mile

Total energy consumption for the round trip:

Energy consumption = Energy content per mile * Total distance

Total distance = 2 * 5,334 miles

Total distance = 10,668 miles

Energy consumption = 132.475 MJ/mile * 10,668 miles

Energy consumption = 1,412,795 MJ

Now, we need to divide this total energy consumption by the number of passengers (500) to estimate the energy used per person.

Energy used per person = Energy consumption / Number of passengers

Energy used per person = 1,412,795 MJ / 500

Energy used per person = 2,825.59 MJ

Finally, we convert megajoules (MJ) to joules (J) by multiplying by 1 million:

Energy used per person = 2,825.59 MJ * 1,000,000 J/MJ

Energy used per person = 2,825,590,000 J

The estimated energy one person uses in one round-trip from Phoenix to London to Phoenix is approximately 2.5 million joules (2,825,590,000 J).

Keep in mind that this is a rough estimation and the actual energy usage may vary depending on various factors such as aircraft efficiency, load factors, and operational practices.

To know more about density visit:

Energy used per person

#S[J11

answered
User Nabha Cosley
by
8.5k points