Final answer:
Wind, flowing water, and rising heat inside Earth's crust exhibit mechanical energy, which is the energy of motion and position. The sun is the primary source powering wind and hydropower, making them renewable energy forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wind, flowing water, and rising heat inside Earth's crust are forms of mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy. It is the energy associated with the motion and position of objects. The wind is moving air that possesses kinetic energy, flowing water has kinetic energy as it moves, and the convection currents that drive rising heat in the Earth's crust are the result of thermal energy being converted into kinetic energy.
The original source of energy that powers both wind energy and hydropower is largely the sun. The sun's energy drives weather patterns and the water cycle, which are fundamental to wind and hydropower generation. Thus, these sources of energy are renewable, as they are naturally replenished on a human timescale.