The law of conservation of energy problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem involving the law of conservation of energy, specifically calculating the speed of water at the top of Della Falls after it has fallen 12% of its height. The user calculated the height after the fall and applied energy conservation equations but arrived at an incorrect speed of 66 m/s, while the book states the correct answer is 5.0 m/s. Suggestions include sketching the waterfall to visualize the problem and reassessing the calculations to identify errors. The importance of correctly applying the equations for kinetic and potential energy is emphasized. Clarifying the calculations will help determine if the book's answer or the user's calculations are incorrect.
dmitrip
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hello, I been doing physics homework and I came across this problem that i think i know how to do but for some reason i cannot get the right answer! any help will be very appreciated
thanks a lot:)

Homework Statement



The highest waterfall in Canada is the Della Falls in B.C. with a change in elevation of 440 m m. 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.

answer in the book: 5.0 m/s

Homework Equations



Ek = 1/2 mv^2

Ep = mgh


The Attempt at a Solution



This is what i tried,

i found what 12% of 440 m is, and it ended up to equal 52.8 so i subtracted it by 440 m to get 387.2 m as the height after the water has fallen 12% of its way to the bottom.

Ek1 + Ep1 = Ek2 + Ep2

(masses cancel out) and we are left with

1/2 v^2 + gh = 1/2 v^2 + gh

1/2 v^2 + (9.81)(440) = 1/2 (33)^2 + (9.81)(387.2)

and i get v= 66 m/s (dont think it is right but it is possible that the book might be wrong)
 
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Draw a sketch of the waterfall, and everything the question told you about the waterfall. Then mark on the value you got for the speed of the water at the top of the waterfall, and the value that the book got.

Once you've done this, you'll be able to figure out which answer is definitely wrong. Then you'll know whether you need some help with your calculation or not.
 
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