Which energy store increases when water is pumped uphill into a reservoir?
How to approach this question
Identify the type of energy an object gains when its height is increased against gravity. The name of the energy store is related to this type of energy.
Full Answer
Gravitational potential (energy) store
When water is pumped uphill, its vertical height increases. This increases its potential to do work due to gravity. The energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field is called gravitational potential energy.
Common mistakes
✗ Confusing gravitational potential energy with kinetic energy.
✗ Stating "potential energy" without specifying "gravitational".
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