Calculating Entropy Change in Niagara Falls Waterfall

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the increase in entropy per second at Niagara Falls, the relevant equation is S = Q/T, where Q represents the heat energy converted from potential energy as water falls. The water falls 50.0 m, and with a constant temperature of 20.0°C, the potential energy converts to kinetic energy and subsequently to heat energy. The participant initially struggled with the concept of heat change but realized that the energy conversion leads to an increase in entropy. The final solution involves calculating the heat energy based on the mass of water falling and its height. Understanding the relationship between potential energy and entropy change is crucial for solving this problem.
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Homework Statement


Every second at Niagara Falls, some 5.0 10^3 m3 of water falls a distance of 50.0 m. What is the increase in entropy per second due to the falling water? Assume that the mass of the surroundings is so great that its temperature and that of the water stay nearly constant at 20.0°C. Also assume a negligible amount of water evaporates.

Homework Equations



S = ∫ dQ/T

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, if I divided across by Δt, then I would have an equation set up for the quantity I need.

Temperature is constant, but since there is no real change in temperature or phase, is there any real change in heat? I'm not sure of where to go from here.

EDIT: Nevermind, I figured it out. Potential Energy converts to Kinetic Energy then to Heat Energy. Entropy is Q/T.
 
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so how do you solve this problem?
 

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