In the Niagara Falls hydroelectric generating plant, the energy of falling water is converted into electricity. The height of the falls is about 48 meters. Assuming that the energy conversion is highly efficient, approximately how much energy is obtained from one kilogram of falling water? Therefore, approximately how many kilograms of water must go through the generators every second to produce a megawatt of power (106 watts) ?

Question

Allisson Riddle

Physics

28 September, 15:28

In the Niagara Falls hydroelectric generating plant, the energy of falling water is converted into electricity. The height of the falls is about 48 meters. Assuming that the energy conversion is highly efficient, approximately how much energy is obtained from one kilogram of falling water? Therefore, approximately how many kilograms of water must go through the generators every second to produce a megawatt of power (106 watts) ?

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Answers (1)

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Myla Conrad · Answer 1

2.124 kg of water

Explanation:

height of the falls is about 48 meters.

Mass of water needed is 1kg = 1000g

Power needed is 106 watts.

The amount of energy in 106 watts in one sec is 106 joules.

To calculate the energy of the 1kg falling water = Mgh

Energy = 1000*9.81*48

Energy = 470880 joules.

1 megawatt is = 1000000watts

The kilogram of water needed is 1000000/470880 = 2.124 kg of water