Physics 2016 JAMB Past Questions - Question 3: If a pump is capable of lifting 5000 kg of water through a vertical height of 60 m in 15 mins, the power of the pump is

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

To calculate the power of the pump, we can use the formula:

Power = (Work Done) / (Time)

First, let's calculate the work done by the pump. The work done is equal to the force applied multiplied by the distance moved. In this case, the force is the weight of the water being lifted, and the distance is the vertical height.

Weight of water = mass * acceleration due to gravity
                = 5000 kg * 9.8 m/s^2
                = 49,000 N

Work Done = Weight of water * vertical height
          = 49,000 N * 60 m
          = 2,940,000 J (Joules)

Next, let's convert the time from minutes to seconds:

Time = 15 mins * 60 s/min
    = 900 s

Now, we can calculate the power:

Power = Work Done / Time
      = 2,940,000 J / 900 s
      ≈ 3266.67 W (Watts)

Therefore, the power of the pump is approximately 3266.67 Watts.