Heat and internal energy of water temperature

[mizzy]

Homework Statement

Water at the top of Niagara Falls has a temperature of 10.0degrees celsius. If it falls a distance of 50.0m and all of its potential energy goes into heating the water, calculate the temperature of the water at the bottom of the falls.

Homework Equations

W = change in kinetic energy + change in potential energy

The Attempt at a Solution

i know there's potential energy on top and none at the bottom. There's not kinetic energy at the top and there is at the bottom. But how do i put temperature into this equation?

 

[rock.freak667]

The change in potential energy of the water = heat absorbed by water


You should know the equation Q=mcΔT

 

[mizzy]

so distance isn't included in the equation? and mass?

 

[rock.freak667]

so distance isn't included in the equation? and mass?

The height is a distance and the mass will not really matter.

 

[mizzy]

so, mgh = mc(T-Ti)

then solve for Tf?

therefore,

mgh = mc(Tf - Ti)
gh = cTf - cTi
gh + cTi = cTf
gh/c + Ti = Tf

 

[rock.freak667]

Yes that should work.

 

[mizzy]

Thanks