Water flows over Niagara Falss at the average rate of 2,400,000 kg/s, and the average height of the falls is about 50 m. Knowing that the graviatational potential energy of falling water per second = mass (kg) x height (m) x gravity (9.8 m/s2), what is the power of Niagara Falls? How many 15 W LED light bulbs could it power?

1. 176 × 10^12 W ; 78400000000

Explanation:

Given the following :

Fall rate = 2,400,000kg/s

Average height of fall = 50m

Gravitational Potential of falling water = mgh = mass × acceleration due to gravity × height =

How many 15 W LED light bulbs could it power?

Recall : power = workdone / time

Workdone = gravitational potential energy

Mass of water = density * volume

Density of water = 1 * 10^3kg/m^3

Rate of fow = volume / time = 2400000

Hence,

Power = 1000 * 2,400,000 * 9.8 * 50

Power = 1176000000000

Power = 1. 176 × 10^12 W

How many 15 W LED light bulbs could it power?

1176000000000 / 15 = 78400000000

= 78400000000 15 W bulbs