Need guidance: Energy/gass question

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses a complex physics problem involving Canada's electrical consumption and the potential energy derived from atmospheric water vapor. The question posits that if all the water vapor (H2O(g)) in the atmosphere, which constitutes 2% by volume, were to condense into liquid water (H2O(l)), the energy released could be harnessed to power Canada’s electrical grid. Key calculations involve determining the total volume of water vapor, the energy released during condensation, and how long this energy could sustain a consumption rate of 57,000 MW.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, specifically enthalpy changes during phase transitions.
  • Knowledge of atmospheric science, including air density and water vapor density.
  • Familiarity with electrical power calculations and energy consumption metrics.
  • Basic skills in unit conversions and volume calculations related to atmospheric conditions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the enthalpy of vaporization for water to calculate energy from condensation.
  • Learn about atmospheric composition and the role of water vapor in energy calculations.
  • Explore methods for calculating the surface area of Canada and its implications for atmospheric studies.
  • Investigate the relationship between atmospheric pressure and density of gases at standard temperature and pressure (STP).
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, environmental scientists, and energy analysts interested in the intersection of atmospheric science and electrical energy generation.

timsher
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Hi guys! I'm really lost on this one, I don't even now where to start. If somebody could please give me some guidance on how I should go about solving this problem, I would be very grateful!


Question:
Canada’s electrical consumption is typically 57,000 MW. If all the H2O(g) in the atmosphere (assume it is 2% by volume) suddenly condensed to H2O(l), and all the enthalpy of this process was captured and converted to electrical energy, how long would this energy power the country?
 
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How much H2O gas would be condensed? Do you know the surface Area of Canada? (not offhand, but I bet you can Google it)
Atmospheric Pressure at the surface is caused by the weight (mg) of all the air above ground. (I'd presume STP unless told otherwise). air density is well-known, as is H2O gas density.
 

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