Question

Many communities in the United States get some of their power from hydroelectric dams. These dams work by blocking the path of a river to create a large lake with water held back by the dam. The dam can then be opened to allow water to cross over the dam. The energy from the water is captured and transformed into electrical energy. What type of energy does a hydroelectric dam capture as the water passes through?

A chemical energy
B mechanical energy
С heat energy
D sound energy

Answer 1

A hydroelectric dam captures mechanical energy as the water passes through, which is then converted into electrical energy using a turbine and generator.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of energy that a hydroelectric dam captures as the water passes through is mechanical energy.

When the water flows down from the reservoir to the outlet, it gains kinetic energy. The force of the flowing water can then be used to turn the blades of a turbine, which in turn drives a generator to produce electrical energy.

This conversion process is highly efficient, capturing about 90% of the potential energy in the water and converting it into electrical power.