Calculating Temperature Rise in 100m Waterfall: Heat Energy Questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the temperature rise of water in a 100 m waterfall, focusing on the conversion of mechanical energy into heat energy. The problem involves concepts from thermodynamics and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the potential energy formula and its application to the problem, with some expressing uncertainty about how to proceed with the calculations. Questions arise regarding the necessary values for mass and specific heat capacity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting to relate potential energy to heat energy. Some guidance has been offered regarding setting equations equal to each other, but there remains uncertainty about specific values needed for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of information regarding mass and specific heat capacity, which are essential for completing the calculations. Participants are navigating these constraints while trying to understand the relationships between the variables involved.

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Homework Statement


Much of the energy of falling water in a waterfall is converted into heat.

If all the mechanical energy is converted into heat that stays in the water, how much of a rise in temperature occurs in a 100 m waterfall?


Homework Equations


q=mc(Tf-Ti)
Q=mc Delta T
Delta T = |Tf-Ti|


The Attempt at a Solution



i have no idea where to start or what equation to use all i see is the 100m can some one please lead me in the correct direction with the correct formula to use.
 
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potential energy = mgh

This is the energy available to be converted to heat.
 
ok so P.E.=MGH

P.E. = M(9.8)(100)

is this correct there are still 2 unknows
 
If all the energy is converted into heat then P.E. = Q

Set them equal and solve for delta T.
 
ok so the equation would look like this

M(9.8)(100) = mc Delta T

but i still need to know the Mass and MC am i overlooking something??
 

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