Does more energy mean more work?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between energy and work, specifically in the context of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE). It is established that a ball thrown upwards gains maximum potential energy at its peak height, but the total energy remains constant. The analogy of a dam illustrates that higher water levels result in greater potential energy, enabling more work to be done by water turbines, thereby generating more electrical energy. This principle is reinforced by the natural cycle of evaporation and precipitation that maintains water levels in dams.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy and kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with basic physics principles related to work and energy
  • Knowledge of hydroelectric power generation
  • Awareness of the water cycle and its impact on energy resources
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of energy conservation in physics
  • Explore the mechanics of hydroelectric power systems
  • Study the relationship between height and potential energy in fluid dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of evaporation and precipitation on energy resources
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, energy engineers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the principles of energy transformation and hydroelectric power generation.

rudransh verma
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As we always say eat food and rest because tomorrow you have to go to work. When we throw a ball up, it gains a max PE at some height. More the height more energy it has which makes it do more work. Is this right to say?
 
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Yes, the higher the level of water in a dam, the more work the flow of water can do onto the blades of the water turbines-generators, which can produce more electrical energy.

Previously, the Sun energy via evaporation increased the potential energy of the water of rivers, lakes and sea up to the clouds level.
Then, rain replenished the water level in our dam.

Please, see:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity#Conventional_(dams)
 
Last edited:
Not exactly. The ball has all of the energy that it's going to have when you release it. Some is Kinetic (velocity) and some is potential (height). When it stops at max height, the potential energy is maximized but the total energy is unchanged.
 

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