I have no idea how to get started...This question deals with potential and kinet

Question

I have no idea how to get started...This question deals with potential and kinetic energy. The equation for potential energy is: P.E.= mgh
The equation for kinetic energy is:
K.E.= (m(v^2))/2

Question 4. Finally, how much energy is available from the decrease in energy experienced by the yearly runoff of water from the continental US.? Daily runoff= 4.55 x 1012 kg/day. Again assume that average elevation is 1000 meters. For comparison, the total energy used in the United States in the year 2010 was 1.032 x 1020 joules. SHOW ALL YOUR WORK

Explanation / Answer

Daily runoff = 4.55*10^12 kg/day

Average elevation = 1000 m

Yearly runoff = 365* 4.55*10^12 kg = 1.66075*10^15 kg

Potential energy decrease =mgh = (1.66075*10^15 kg )*9.8 m/s^2 * 1000 m

= 0.162754 * 10^20 Joules

Given the total energy used in the United States in the year 2010 = 1.032*10^20 joules

(Potential energy decrease / Total energy used in the United States in the year 2010 )*100

= (0.162754 * 10^20 Joules)/(1.032*10^20 joules) *100

= 15.77 %

The energy decrease from runoff is 15.77 % of the total energy used in the United States in the year 2010 .

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