Question

Water flows over a fall that is 125.0 m high. If the potential energy of the water is all converted to thermal energy, calculate the temperature difference between the water at the top and the bottom of the fall.

Answer 1

ΔT = 0.29°C

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the law of conservation of energy:

`Potential\ Energy = Thermal\ Energy\\mgh = mC\Delta T\\gh = C\ \Delta T\\\\\Delta T = (gh)/(C)`

where,

ΔT = Temperature difference between the water at the top and the bottom of the fall = ?

g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s²

h = height of fall = 125 m

C = specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kg

Therefore,

`\Delta T = ((9.81\ m/s^2)(125\ m))/(4200\ J/kg^oC)\\\\`

ΔT = 0.29°C