How many 60W bulbs can be lit with this power?

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In summary, two problems were discussed: the first involving the power generated by water flowing over Niagara Falls and the second involving the kinetic and potential energy of a bullet penetrating a tree. For the first problem, the potential energy of the water is converted into kinetic energy when it falls, which could potentially light several 60W bulbs. For the second problem, it was suggested to approach it from an energy standpoint and consider the kinetic and potential energy of the bullet before and after it stops, taking into account friction as an energy loss factor.
  • #1
HurricaneH
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HW help:(

Any help will be appreciated.

1. Water flows over a section of Niagara Falls at a rate of 1.2x10^6 KG/s and falls 50m. How many 60W bulbs can be lit with this power?

2. A bullet with a mass of 5g and spped of 600m/s penetrates a tree to a depth of 4cm. Determine the frictional force that stops the bullet. Determine how much time elapsed from the moment the bullet entered the tree and the moment it stopped.

:(
 
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  • #2
1. Calculate how much potential energy that mass of water turns into kinetic energy when it falls down per second. This kinetic energy is the power that you could ideally take out of it. This should get you started. Feel free to post your solution or assumptions here for a reality check.

2. Study this also from an energy standpoint. What is the kinetic energy and potential energy of the bullet before it strikes and after it has come to a stand still ? Friction will take away any energy loss.

Regards,
Leo
 
  • #3


1. To calculate the number of 60W bulbs that can be lit with this power, we first need to convert the power from kilograms per second (kg/s) to watts (W). We can do this by multiplying the mass flow rate (1.2x10^6 kg/s) by the gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s^2) and the height (50m). This gives us a power of 5.88x10^9 W.

Next, we can divide this power by the power of a single 60W bulb to find the number of bulbs that can be lit. This calculation gives us approximately 98,000 bulbs that can be lit with this power.

2. To determine the frictional force that stops the bullet, we can use the equation F=ma, where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. In this case, the acceleration is equal to the change in velocity (600m/s) divided by the time it takes to stop (t). We can rearrange this equation to solve for the force, which gives us F= 5g/t.

To determine the time elapsed, we can use the equation d=1/2at^2, where d is the depth (4cm) and a is the acceleration calculated above. We can rearrange this equation to solve for t, which gives us t= √(2d/a). Plugging in the values, we get t= √(2*0.04m/5g/t), which simplifies to t= 0.004 seconds.

Therefore, the frictional force that stops the bullet is equal to 5g/0.004 seconds, which is approximately 1250 N. The time elapsed from the moment the bullet entered the tree to the moment it stopped is 0.004 seconds.
 

1. How do you calculate the number of 60W bulbs that can be lit with a specific power?

The number of 60W bulbs that can be lit with a specific power can be calculated by dividing the power by the wattage of the bulb. For example, if the power is 600 watts, then 10 bulbs (600/60) can be lit.

2. How many bulbs can be lit with a power of 1000 watts?

Using the same calculation as above, 16.67 (1000/60) bulbs can be lit with a power of 1000 watts. However, it is important to note that this number may not be practical as it is not a whole number.

3. Is it safe to use the maximum number of bulbs that can be lit with a certain power?

It is important to follow the recommended wattage guidelines for your light fixtures to avoid overheating and potential fire hazards. Therefore, it is not always safe to use the maximum number of bulbs that can be lit with a certain power.

4. Can LED bulbs be used instead of 60W bulbs for this calculation?

Yes, LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and have a lower wattage compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. To calculate the number of LED bulbs that can be lit with a specific power, divide the power by the wattage of the LED bulb (e.g. 600/9 = 66.67 bulbs).

5. Are there any other factors that may affect the number of bulbs that can be lit with a specific power?

Yes, the length and type of wiring, voltage fluctuations, and the use of other appliances on the same circuit can affect the number of bulbs that can be lit with a specific power. It is important to consult a certified electrician for a safe and accurate calculation.

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