Potential Energy - Hydropower
Calculate elevation and potential energy in hydropower systems. Determine the increase in potential energy when a body of mass is elevated against gravitational force.
Formula
Potential Energy Formula:
Ep = m × ag × Δh
Where:
- Ep = potential energy (J, kJ, kWh)
- m = mass of body (kg)
- ag = acceleration of gravity on earth (9.81 m/s²)
- Δh = change in elevation (m)
Example Calculation
A body of 1000 kg is elevated 10 m:
Ep = (1000 kg) × (9.81 m/s²) × (10 m) = 98,100 J = 98 kJ = 0.027 kWh