Power & Energy: Waterfall & Turbine Questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy changes associated with water flowing over a waterfall and the potential for harnessing that energy through a turbine. The problem involves concepts of energy transfer, specifically between potential and kinetic energy, as well as estimating the power generated by the turbine based on the flow rate and density of water.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the energy transformations from potential energy to kinetic energy as water falls. There are attempts to relate the flow rate and density of water to the power output of a turbine, with some participants questioning their understanding of the relationships involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the energy changes and to estimate power. Some participants have provided hints and guidance, while others are still seeking clarity on how to approach the calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between mass, energy, and power.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to show their work in accordance with forum guidelines, which has led to requests for clarification and further explanation of concepts. There is a focus on understanding the assumptions behind the calculations, particularly regarding the flow rate and energy transfer.

penza
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I have two questions
a)Water flows over a waterfall of height 75m of volume flow rate 6.0ms-1 and then lands in a pool below.
Outline the energy changes that take place


b)It is suggested that installing a turbine of the waterfall could provide a source of electrical energy. Estimate the power that might be available, stating one assumption that you make.
(The denstity of water= 1000 m-3)
 
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Do you have any thoughts/ideas on this problem? You need to show your work to get help.
 
siddharth said:
Do you have any thoughts/ideas on this problem? You need to show your work to get help.
for sure i thought about it but i don't know...
 
Would you mind posting what you have done thus far? The guidlines of these forums state clearly that one should show one's work before receiveing assistance.
 
actually first i thought what energy transfer and i put 75/6 and but then i thought you just have to explain meaning that it goes from vaporisation to convection
 
penza said:
actually first i thought what energy transfer and i put 75/6 and but then i thought you just have to explain meaning that it goes from vaporisation to convection

What :confused: ?? I was thinking more along the lines of potential energy ---> kinetic energy?
 
ho yeh so actually the energy changes are from potential energy ---> kinetic energy, so that's actually the answer...
thank you
 
What are your thoughts for question (b)...?
 
Hootenanny said:
What are your thoughts for question (b)...?
for question B i thought that because they have to install a turbine, looking that the density of water is 1000 than you have to do 1000/6 which is the flow rate so then to find the estimated power
 
  • #10
penza said:
for question B i thought that because they have to install a turbine, looking that the density of water is 1000 than you have to do 1000/6 which is the flow rate so then to find the estimated power

You have just basically rephrased the question there :rolleyes: . Here's a hint: Think about mass and the relationship in question (a).
 
  • #11
Hootenanny said:
You have just basically rephrased the question there :rolleyes: . Here's a hint: Think about mass and the relationship in question (a).
yeh but what do you to find the power
 
  • #12
HINT Power is the rate at which energy is transfered;

[tex]P = \frac{dE}{dt}[/tex]
 
  • #13
Hootenanny said:
HINT Power is the rate at which energy is transfered;

[tex]P = \frac{dE}{dt}[/tex]
ok got it thank you
 
  • #14
penza said:
ok got it thank you

Your welcome :smile:
 

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