Gr12 Energy Prob: Solving for Waterfall Speed at Top

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of water at the top of Della Falls, Canada, using the conservation of energy principle. The elevation change is 440 meters, and the speed of the water after falling 12% is 33 m/s. The participant correctly sets up the energy conservation equation, leading to the calculation of the initial speed at the top of the waterfall, which they initially compute as 7.4 m/s. However, the expected answer from the textbook is 5.0 m/s, indicating a discrepancy that requires further investigation.

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  • Study the effects of gravitational potential energy on falling objects
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Homework Statement


"The highest waterfall in Canada is Della Falls in B.C., with a change in elevation of 4.4*10^2m. When the water has fallen 12% of its way to the bottom, its speed is 33 m/s. Neglecting air resistance and fluid friction, determine the speed of the water at the top of the waterfall."

RTF: V1
V2 = 33 m/s

(need help on this part, tell me if I'm doing it right) I pick the ground as a point of reference, so:
y1 = 4.4*10^2 m
y2 = (4.4*10^2)(1-0.12)

Homework Equations



Et1=Et2 (Conservation of Energy)

The Attempt at a Solution



Et1=Et2
1/2mv1^2 + mgy1 = 1/2mv2^2 +mgy2
(mass cancels out)
v1 = sqrt( 2 ( 0.5v2^2 + g(y2-y1)))

I plug everything in and I get 7.4 m/s, book says 5.0 m/s
 
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guess I'm right then? Thanks
 

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