In a hydroelectric power station, how much potential energy is lost by 100tonnes of water flowing down through the pipes, falling a vertical distance of 200metres? [1tonne=1000kg.]
Question
Question
In a hydroelectric power station, how much potential energy is lost by 100tonnes of water flowing down through the pipes, falling a vertical distance of 200metres? [1tonne=1000kg.]
Answer:
196000000 J
Explanation:
Potential Energy: This can be defined as the energy of a body due to its position in the gravitational field.
From the question,
P.E = mgh……………… Equation 1
Where P.E = potential Energy, m = mass of the water, h = height, g = acceleration due to gravity.
Given: m = 100 tonnes = (100×1000) = 100000 kg, h = 200 m
Constant: g = 9.8 m/s²
Substitute into equation 1
P.E = 100000(200)(9.8)
P.E = 196000000 J.
Note: When a object falls through a height he losses its potential energy.
Hence the potential energy lost = 196000000 J = 196 MJ.