Question

The drawing below shows a hydroelectric power plant near a dam. When the gate is opened, river water flows into the power plant through a large pipe that runs through the dam. What transformation of energy is taking place when the gate is opened?

A) Potential energy to kinetic energy as the water level rises behind the gate
B) Kinetic energy to potential energy as the water flows into the plant
C) Kinetic energy to potential energy as the water level lowers behind the dam
D) Potential energy to kinetic energy as the water flows into the plant

Answer 1

The energy transformation when the gate of a hydroelectric power plant is opened is from potential energy to kinetic energy as the water flows into the plant, eventually being converted to electrical energy by the plant's turbines.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the gate of a hydroelectric power plant is opened and river water flows through the dam's large pipe into the power plant, the transformation of energy that is taking place is from potential energy to kinetic energy as the water flows into the plant. The water behind the dam is stored at a high elevation and has potential energy due to its position. As the water is allowed to fall through the sluice, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy due to the motion of the falling water. Eventually, this kinetic energy is used to turn turbines within the power plant, which then convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy for consumption.