Gravitational Potential Energy
A total of 10^4 kg of water per second flows over a waterfall 25m high!
If half of the power this flow could be converted into electricity, how many 100W light bulbs could be supplied?
This is a classic gravitational potential energy problem where we are asked for electrical power.
The formula for the potential energy of the water is
P=mgh
where
m = 1×10^4 Kg
g=9.8m/s^2
h=25m
the power is simply the amount of energy available in one second or:
P= 2.45 x 10^6 J/s
With 50% efficiency
Power = 1.225 x 10^6 Watts
divide by 100 watts/bulb
12,250 light bulbs