Water flows over a section of Niagara Falls at a rate of 1.2 × 106 kg/s and falls 71 m. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 . How many 70 W...

I understand that the rate of flow of water was meant to be 1.2 x 10^6 kg/s rather than 1.2 x 106 kg/s. The question is solves with this rate.

As the water comes down the fall, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy that may be used for generating electric power.

If we assume that this whole energy is converted into electricity with 100 percent efficiency, the electric energy generated is same as potential energy of water converted into kinetic energy. The rate of generation of this electric energy ids given by the formula:

Power (in watts) = Energy (in joule)/s.

and

Energy/s = m*g*h

Where m = mass of water per second = 1.2 x 10^6 kg/s

g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2, and

h = Height of fall = 71 m.

Therefore electric power generated

= m*g*h = (1.2 x 10^6)*9.8*71 = 834.96 x 10^6 W

number of 70 watts bulb that can be lit by this power is given by the formula:

Number of bulbs = (Total power generated)/(Power used per bulb)

= (834.96 x 10^6)/70 = 11 982 000 bulbs.

Answer: 11 982 000 bulbs can be lit.