2 ms·
If we assume that the mountain-tank is connected to a pipe of constant diameter, and that water has a constant density, then the speed at the top has to match t
by p1mrx 10y ago
If we assume that the mountain-tank is connected to a pipe of constant diameter, and that water has a constant density, then the speed at the top has to match the speed at the bottom.
Thus, water cannot gain speed on the way down.
- larsnystrom 10y agoIf the water could not gain speed on the way down it would stand still at the top of the mountain. Put gravity into the equation and the water gains speed.
- usrusr 10y agoThanks to pipes, the potential energy is not converted into speed on an open ramp along the slope of the mountain, it is converted from pressure to speed right at the turbine station. Any inertia within the pipes is just a medium for the pressure transfer, much like the inertia of a spinning axle in a mechanical transfer of torque. It is there, but it is not the driving force.