How Much Power Does Niagara Falls Generate?

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SUMMARY

The power generated by the falling water at Niagara Falls can be calculated using the formula for potential energy change. Given a water flow rate of 1.1 x 106 kg/s and a height of 46.0 m, the power output is derived from the equation P = (mass flow rate) x (gravity) x (height). This results in a definitive calculation of power generated, which is crucial for understanding the energy potential of waterfalls.

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  • Understanding of potential energy and its calculation
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as mass flow rate and gravitational acceleration
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers in renewable energy, and anyone interested in the mechanics of hydroelectric power generation.

hshphyss
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Can anyone help me with this problem? Thaak-you
Water flows over a section of Niagara Falls at the rate of 1.1 106 kg/s and falls 46.0 m. How much power is generated by the falling water?
I know that Power is work/time... but this problem is set up differently then I'm used to.
 
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Well (somebody correct me if I'm wrong!) ... when water falls from a high place, its potential energy decreases. For a waterfall, the change in PE per second is equal to the rate times acceleration due to gravity times the height. When converted into electrical energy, the power is equal to the change in PE. See if that works out for ya. :)
 

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