Easy-ish Conservation of Energy question

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a waterfall with a change in elevation of 440m. The water has fallen 12% of the way to the bottom and has a speed of 93m/s. Using equations for energy and motion, the speed of the water at the top of the waterfall is determined to be approximately 87.5m/s. However, the textbook answer states a speed of 5m/s, which is incorrect.
  • #1
elasticities
25
0

Homework Statement


A waterfall has a change in elevation of 4.4*10^2 m. When the water has fallen 12% of its way to the bottom, its speed is 93m/s. Neglecting air resistance and fluid friction, determine the speed of the water at the top of the waterfall.

Homework Equations


Et1=Et2
Ek1+Eg1=Ek2+Eg2
1/2m(v1)^2+mgh1=1/2m(v2)^2+mgh2

The Attempt at a Solution


g=9.81 N/kg
v1=?
v2=93m/s
h1=440m
h2=440m*0.88=387.2m

1/2m(v1)^2+mgh1=1/2m(v2)^2+mgh2
1/2(v1)^2+gh1=1/2(v2)^2+gh2
1/2(v1)^2+(9.81)(440m)=1/2(93)^2+(9.81)(387.2m)

Am I doing it right so far?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
So far, so good.
 
  • #3
1/2m(v1)^2+mgh1=1/2m(v2)^2+mgh2
1/2(v1)^2+gh1=1/2(v2)^2+gh2
1/2(v1)^2+(9.81)(440m)=1/2(93)^2+(9.81)(387.2m)
1/2(v1)^2+(4316.4)=4324.5+3798.432
1/2(v1)^2=3824.532
v1=87.5m/s

But this is not the answer in the answers section of the textbook.
 
  • #4
The answer I get is very close to yours. (Just differs in the third digit.)

What textbook, by the way?
 
  • #5
Doc Al said:
The answer I get is very close to yours. (Just differs in the third digit.)

What textbook, by the way?

Maybe the answer is wrong in the textbook, it says 5m/s.
It's Nelson Physics 12 from 2003 I think.
 
  • #6
elasticities said:
Maybe the answer is wrong in the textbook, it says 5m/s.
It's Nelson Physics 12 from 2003 I think.
Sounds like the book messed up. If it started out at 5 m/s and fell the full 440 m, then it would have a speed of 93 m/s at the bottom.
 
  • #7
Doc Al said:
Sounds like the book messed up. If it started out at 5 m/s and fell the full 440 m, then it would have a speed of 93 m/s at the bottom.

Silly textbook, thanks though! :)
 

Related to Easy-ish Conservation of Energy question

1. What is conservation of energy?

Conservation of energy is a fundamental law of physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transferred or transformed from one form to another.

2. How does conservation of energy apply to everyday life?

Conservation of energy applies to everyday life in many ways, such as when we turn on a light switch, the electrical energy is transformed into light and heat energy. It also applies to activities like riding a bike, where the energy from our muscles is transferred into kinetic energy to move the bike.

3. What are the different forms of energy that can be conserved?

There are many different forms of energy that can be conserved, including mechanical energy, thermal energy, chemical energy, electrical energy, and nuclear energy.

4. How does the law of conservation of energy relate to the law of conservation of mass?

The law of conservation of energy and the law of conservation of mass are closely related and are both fundamental laws of physics. The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed, which is similar to the law of conservation of energy.

5. Is it possible to violate the law of conservation of energy?

No, it is not possible to violate the law of conservation of energy. This law has been extensively tested and has been found to hold true in all observed situations. If it appears that energy has been created or destroyed, it is because the energy has been transformed into a different form that may not be easily observable.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
Back
Top