Work Energy Theorem Homework: Water Pump Power Output

In summary, the problem involves lifting 800 kg of water per minute from a 14.0 m deep well and ejecting it with a speed of 8ms-1. The questions ask for the work done per minute in lifting the water, the work done in giving the water its kinetic energy, and the power output of the pump. The equations used are the Work Energy theorem and the formula for work done. The solution can be found by either integrating the tension times the displacement or by finding the difference in energy. The goal is to show how to avoid using the usual work done formula, which would be difficult if the acceleration was not 0.
  • #1
ehabmozart
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Homework Statement



A pump is required to lift 800 kg of water (about 210 gallons)
per minute from a well 14.0 m deep and eject it with a speed
of 8ms-1 (a) How much work is done per minute in lifting the
water? (b) How much work is done in giving the water the kinetic
energy it has when ejected? (c) What must be the power output of
the pump?

Homework Equations



Work Energy theorem

The Attempt at a Solution



The book attempt was that work done = mgh... Why don't we add tension as well... Or force applied by pump?
 
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  • #2
hi ehabmozart! :smile:
ehabmozart said:
The book attempt was that work done = mgh... Why don't we add tension as well... Or force applied by pump?

you can calculate the work done in two ways …

by integrating the tension T times the displacement, total ∫ T dh :yuck:

or (applying the work energy theorem) by simply finding the difference in energy! :tongue2:​

(if the acceleration is 0, so that T is constant, then T = mg, and ∫ T dh = mgh :wink:)

the whole point of these work-energy exercises is to show you how to avoid using the usual work done formula …

which would be very difficult if the acceleration wasn't 0!​
 
Last edited:

1. How is power output calculated in a water pump?

The power output of a water pump can be calculated using the equation P = (Q x ρ x g x h)/t, where P is the power output, Q is the flow rate of water, ρ is the density of water, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the height the water is lifted, and t is the time taken.

2. What is the Work Energy Theorem and how does it apply to a water pump?

The Work Energy Theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In the case of a water pump, the work done is the power output and the change in kinetic energy is the change in the water's speed as it is pumped.

3. How does the efficiency of a water pump affect its power output?

The efficiency of a water pump is the ratio of its power output to its power input. A more efficient pump will have a higher power output for the same amount of power input, resulting in more work being done on the water and a higher power output.

4. Is there a limit to the power output of a water pump?

Yes, there is a limit to the power output of a water pump. This limit is determined by the design and capabilities of the pump, as well as external factors such as the available power source and the properties of the water being pumped.

5. How does the power output of a water pump affect its performance?

The power output of a water pump directly affects its performance. A higher power output means the pump can move water at a faster rate and to a greater height, resulting in better performance and efficiency. However, a pump with a very high power output may also be more expensive and consume more energy.

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