Pumped-Storage Reservoir: 305 MW Power Plant | Energy Qs Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a pumped-storage reservoir power plant that generates 305 MW of electricity while draining water from a height of 140 m over a period of 6.7 hours. Participants are exploring the relationship between the potential energy of the water and the energy produced by the plant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of gravitational potential energy and the energy produced, questioning how to determine the fraction of energy lost to nonconservative forces. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between initial potential energy and the energy output of the plant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the calculations. Some express confusion about the problem, while others attempt to clarify the necessary steps without providing direct solutions.

Contextual Notes

There is a sense of urgency as some participants mention deadlines for submission. The original poster expresses confusion and seeks clarification on units and the overall question being asked.

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Homework Statement

A pumped-storage reservoir sits 140 m above its generating station and holds 8.0×109 kg of water. The power plant generates 305 MW of electric power while draining the reservoir over an 6.7 h period.

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

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Last edited:
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Units?
 
lubuntu said:
Units?

I added units. I am so confused on how to slolve this, and this is due in about 10 minutes.
 
And what's the question?
 
What fraction of the initial potential energy is lost to nonconservative forces (i.e., does not emerge as electricity)?
 
I'm think that basically if didn't lose any energy the power generated by the water would be the graviational potential energy. So you know that and you know what was actually produced...
 
lubuntu said:
I'm think that basically if didn't lose any energy the power generated by the water would be the graviational potential energy. So you know that and you know what was actually produced...

what? Sorry could not understand you.

Feel free to explain please. I have until 11:59 for this question, and its the last one.
 
You know what you started with and what you ended with... so what you lost is obviously the difference in those 2 quantities
 
Gravitational potential energy. You know, that mgh thing?
 
  • #10
Dick said:
Gravitational potential energy. You know, that mgh thing?

I understand that stuff, Can you solve it out so i can see how you do it.

I have until 11:59pm.
 
  • #11
Dude, this is really simple,we told you exactly what you need to calculate, if you can't do it you don't understand the concepts and don't deserve point for your assignment due in 5 minutes.
 
  • #12
It's good you understand it. Work out mgh. Work out power*time. Take a ratio. I don't think anyone is going to do it for you. Especially since you understand it. Do it!
 
  • #13
Dick said:
It's good you understand it. Work out mgh. Work out power*time. Take a ratio. I don't think anyone is going to do it for you. Especially since you understand it. Do it!

wait a ratio of what?
 
  • #14
The exact question seems to be asking for (initial potential energy-produced energy)/initial potential energy. As I read the question. Since the top half of that ratio would be the amount lost to nonconservative forces.
 
Last edited:
  • #15
We gave it a try, lubuntu. Maybe next time.
 

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