Calculating Power of Waterfall: PE, Work, & Electricity

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In summary, a waterfall with a height of 30 m has a potential energy of 2.94E6 joules when 10000 kg of water flows over it every second. If all the potential energy is converted to work, the power delivered by the water is 980 MJ. If this power were converted to electricity and each 100-watt light bulb required mgh/100 joules, the number of light bulbs that could be lit is mgh/100.
  • #1
cowgiljl
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1
a waterfall is 30 m high and 10000 kg of water flow over it every second
A) calculate the potential energy
PE = mgh
got 2.94E6 joules

B) calculate the power delevered by the water of all the potential energy is converted to work

F = mA
F= 10000 * 9.80
f = 98000

w = Fm
w 98000 * 10000
w = 980 MJ mega joules

C)If all the power were converted to electricity, how many 100watt light bulbs could be lit

not even sure on how to approach this
[?]
 
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  • #2
B is WRONG Look at the physicsl dimensions when u multiply force by mass is it Energy
 
  • #3
Look the energy mgh which u calulated is per second
which is power itself

with this energy u can lit mgh/100 bulbs

hope u will get now
 

1. How is the power of a waterfall calculated?

The power of a waterfall is calculated using the formula P = mgh, where P is power in watts, m is mass in kilograms, g is gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height of the waterfall in meters.

2. Can potential energy be converted into work in a waterfall?

Yes, potential energy can be converted into work in a waterfall. As the water flows down the waterfall, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which can then be harnessed to do work, such as turning a water wheel.

3. How does the power of a waterfall relate to electricity generation?

The power of a waterfall is directly related to electricity generation. The kinetic energy of the falling water is used to turn a turbine, which then rotates a generator to produce electricity. The higher the power of the waterfall, the more electricity can be generated.

4. What factors affect the power of a waterfall?

The power of a waterfall is affected by several factors, including the height of the waterfall, the volume of water flow, and the efficiency of the system used to harness the energy. The power can also be affected by external factors such as weather conditions and changes in water levels.

5. Can the power of a waterfall be increased?

Yes, the power of a waterfall can be increased by increasing the height of the waterfall or increasing the volume of water flow. However, there are limitations to how much the power can be increased due to the laws of physics and the practicality of building and maintaining a larger waterfall.

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