Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I have completed the wily wave oscillating water column experiment and am now analyzing the data. I have calculated the average wattage produced by 2ft., 3ft., and 4ft waves. I am trying to determine whether my water column has produced enough energy to power a 60 watt light bulb. I am assuming that the wave frequency of the "ocean" is 6 waves per minute. According to my data, a 2ft wave produces an average wattage of .2. Therefore the water column produces 1.2 watts per minute (.2 watts X 6 waves per minute) or 72 watts per hour. Is this a valid way of analyzing my data?

I'm afraid not. Wattage is a measure of power, not energy. As such, it doesn't accumulate over time. Watt-hours are a way of measuring energy, but that won't tell you anything about powering a particular bulb. To power a 60W bulb, you'd need 60W or power... if that's not what you're asking, please restate your question more clearly.