Question

Which type of energy is stored in the reservoir of a dam?

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept used

1. The dams provide the height to the water and thus after the release, the water flows downstream but if there is no dam then there is no downstream motion.
2. A dam is actually a barrier that prevents or restricts the flow of water or underground streams. Reservoirs made by dams not only suppress floods but also give us water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use, etc.
3. A dam that stores water at height possesses potential energy which is transformed into kinetic energy when it is flowing down.

Step 2: Explanation

1. There is motion in the horizontal direction only.
2. The dam, on the other hand, prevents the flow of water and collects it.
3. As the water is higher than the ground, it will have potential energy stored in it. Thus, the water high up in the dam contains gravitational potential energy.
4. As the water travels down a huge pipe called a penstock and spins a turbine, the stored energy in the reservoir is the form of potential energy.

Hence, water stored in a dam possesses potential energy.