Niagara Falls is about 53 m high. An estimated 6x10^6 kg of water pour over the falls every second. If this energy were usefully employed (like in a hydroelectric plant, which you could only run at night so as not to divert water from the falls when the tourists are around), what power could be produced?

Question

anonymous · Answer

The answer is 3.2 gigawatts. But I don't know how to find the answer. Could someone explain how please? Thanks in advanced :)

anonymous · Answer

Hmm let me think.
Power = energy/time

assume that time = 1 second
and Enegy is equal to potential energy.
E = m.g.h

then subtituting to find the power

doc.brown · Answer

mgh = mass gravity height
6000000kg * 9.8m/s^2 * 53m

anonymous · Answer

Surygita was first. Thanks doc.brown though.