Calculate the rate of potential energy loss of water in a pipe

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the rate of gravitational potential energy loss of water in a pipe, the user has determined the potential energy (U) for one second of water flow to be 36268.82 J. They calculated this using the formula U = mgh, where the mass flow rate was derived from the volume flow rate and the density of water. The user seeks clarification on how to express this energy loss as a rate, questioning if it should be divided by time. The discussion highlights the need for further assistance in understanding the calculation of energy loss over time as the water flows downward through the pipe. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the energy loss rate in fluid dynamics.
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Homework Statement


Question: what rate does the water lose gravitational potential energy?

Data:
I have a pipe that water is flowing through and the pipe has 2 sections.

In section 1:
- the pipe is 11.9m above section 2 so, h = 11.9m
- the velocity of water is $$v_1 = 0.3240ms^{-1}$$
- pressure is 1.126atm
- radius is 0.5530m

Section 2:
- the velocity of water is $$v_2 = 1.390ms^{-1}$$
- pressure is 2.268atm
- radius is 0.2670m

Density of water: $$\rho_w = 1000kgm^{-3}$$
Viscosity of water: $$\eta = 8.90 \times 10^{-4} Pa s$$

Homework Equations



Gravitational potential energy: U = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


Haven't gotten far with this. My first instinct was to find U, so I did this:

volume flow rate times density $$= 0.311m^{3}s^{-1} \times 1000kgm^{-3}$$
$$= 311kgs^{-1}$$

$$U = 311kgs^{-1} \times 9.8ms^{-2} \times 11.9m$$
$$ = 36268.82J$$

I'm not sure if what I've done so far is valid but I seem to have 36268.82J of potential energy in one seconds worth of water flow.

Not sure how to proceed here to get a rate of potential energy loss. Hopefully I can get some help how to think about this. Any help appreciated thanks.
 
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The water flow is downward, correct?
 
You wrote U = 36268.82J
Shouldn't it be U / t = 36268.82 J / sec?
 
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