Question

At a hydroelectric power plant, potential energy is changed into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is then transformed into electrical energy. i What is the source of the energy that turns the turbine in the power plant? Chemical energy of water molecules as they fall Gravitational potential energy of water behind the dam Elastic potential energy of the water molecules as they bounce over the dam Electrical energy from power lines that connect the hydroelectric plant to a grid

Answer 1

Answer:

Gravitational potential energy of water behind the dam

Explanation:

Energy can be defined as the ability (capacity) to do work. The two (2) main types of energy are;

a. Gravitational potential energy (GPE): it is an energy possessed by an object or body due to its position above the earth.

b. Kinetic energy (KE): it is an energy possessed by an object or body due to its motion.

Hydroelectric power plant refers to a renewable source of energy used for the generation of electricity, through the use of powerful hydraulic steam turbines operating at high voltage and are being driven by the energy acquired by water falling from a height and flowing through a penstock (pipe) i.e the mechanical energy (gravitational potential energy + kinetic energy).

At a hydroelectric power plant, potential energy is changed into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is then transformed into electrical energy.

The source of the energy that turns the turbine in the power plant is Gravitational potential energy of water behind the dam, usually from streams or rivers.