Energy in Stored Dam Water
Water collected and stored in dams, particularly those constructed at high altitudes, possesses significant energy due to its elevated position.
Understanding Potential Energy (PE)
This stored energy is primarily categorized as potential energy (PE). Potential energy is the energy an object possesses based on its position or height.
For water stored in a dam, the relevant type is gravitational potential energy. It is calculated using the formula:
\(PE = mgh\)Where:
- \(m\) represents the mass of the water.
- \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity.
- \(h\) is the height of the water level above a reference point (like the turbine).
Since dams are built at high altitudes, the stored water (\(m\)) is held at a significant height (\(h\)), resulting in substantial potential energy.
Kinetic Energy (KE) Context
Water in motion exhibits kinetic energy, described by the formula \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\). However, the water stored within the dam's reservoir is relatively still or moves slowly. Consequently, its kinetic energy is minimal compared to its potential energy.
Conclusion on Stored Energy
The dominant form of energy possessed by water stored in a dam at a high altitude is potential energy (PE). This stored PE is later converted into kinetic energy as the water flows downwards and drives turbines for electricity generation.
Similar Questions
If a force ‘F’ acts on a body such that body gets displaced through the distance ‘x’ in the direction of the force, then the work done by the force is ____________.
The kinetic energy of a moving object is dependent on which of the following quantities:
i) Mass of the body
ii) Square of the velocity
iii) PressureWhich of the following statements refer/s to the law of conservation of energy?
Statements:
I) Energy can be converted from one form to another form of energy.
II) Energy can neither be created nor destroyed.
The work done in moving 10 coulomb charges across the potential difference of 5 volts is______.
- Mechanical energy is the sum of _______.
- A spring when compressed by 4 cm has 2 J energy stored in it. The force required to extend it by 8 cm will be
- A body of mass 4 kg has a kinetic energy of 72 J. Its speed is:
The work done by a constant force of 5 Newton acting on a body is 5 joules. The Displacement of the body in the direction of the applied force is ______.
The kinetic energy of a body of mass 2 kg, which is moving with the constant velocity 5 m/sec, is .............
- A machine does 1000 J of work in 5 seconds. Its power is:
Important Questions from Work and Energy
If a force ‘F’ acts on a body such that body gets displaced through the distance ‘x’ in the direction of the force, then the work done by the force is ____________.
The kinetic energy of a moving object is dependent on which of the following quantities:
i) Mass of the body
ii) Square of the velocity
iii) PressureWhich of the following statements refer/s to the law of conservation of energy?
Statements:
I) Energy can be converted from one form to another form of energy.
II) Energy can neither be created nor destroyed.
The work done in moving 10 coulomb charges across the potential difference of 5 volts is______.
- Mechanical energy is the sum of _______.
