For each of the following processes, does the potential energy of the object(s) increase or decrease? (b) Water is pumped from ground level to the reservoir of a water tower 30 m above the ground.

Key Concepts

Potential Energy

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. In the context of gravitational potential energy, it is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above a reference point. As an object is raised to a higher position, its potential energy increases because it has the capacity to do work due to its elevated position.

Work Done Against Gravity

When an object is moved against the force of gravity, work is done on the object. This work results in an increase in the object's potential energy. In the case of pumping water to a height, energy is expended to lift the water, which translates into an increase in its gravitational potential energy as it is elevated to the reservoir.

Conservation of Energy

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In the scenario of pumping water, the mechanical energy used to pump the water is converted into gravitational potential energy as the water is raised to a higher elevation. This principle helps to understand how energy is transferred and transformed in physical processes.