Estimating Energy Generated by Niagara Falls

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the energy generated by water falling over Niagara Falls, focusing on the height of the falls and the flow rate of water. The context involves calculating power based on gravitational potential energy and the mass of water flowing over a specified time period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the work done by the falling water using the formula for gravitational potential energy. They express uncertainty about converting the flow rate of water into mass.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided guidance on how to convert the flow rate of water into mass using the density of water. The discussion is progressing with supportive interactions, but no consensus on the final calculation has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements or limitations on the approach taken.

physics(L)10
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Homework Statement


Estimate E generated by water falling over Niagara falls in 5 day.
Height = 150m
Water flow =104m3/sec
t=5x24x60x60=4320000sec


Homework Equations


P=W/t
mgh=mv2/2


The Attempt at a Solution


Work=mgh=m(9.8)(150)
Time=432000seconds
P=m(1470)/4320000

I just don't know how to convert 104m3/sec into a mass
 
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The density of water is ~1000kgm^{-3}.

You can use this to work out the mass flowing per second.
 
Alright niceee thanks for the help :)
 
No problemo :)
 

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