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.
