From a branch 35 m high, a 0.75 kg bird dives into a small fish tank containing

50 kg of water. What is the maximum rise in temperature of the water if the bird

gives it all of its mechanical energy?

ΔT = 1.22*10^-3 °C

Explanation:

First, you calculate the potential energy of the bird when it is at 35 m high. The potential energy is also the mechanical energy of the bird in this case.

m: mass of the bird = 0.75kg

g: gravitational constant = 9.8m/s^2

h: height = 35m

All this energy is given to the water. You use the following formula in order to calculate the change in temperature:

m: mass of the water = 50kg

c: specific heat of water = 4186 J/kg°C

Q is equal to U (potential energy of the bird) because the bird gives all its energy to water. By doing ΔT the subject of the formula you obtain:

hence, the maximum rise in temperature is 0.00122 °C

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