Question

The total flow of current from a generating plant may be as large as __________ amps.

Answer 1

The total flow of current from a generating plant like Hoover Dam can be up to
`8,000 amps`. The power output can be calculated from the current and voltage resulting in
`2 GW` and the flow rate can be determined considering the efficiency and potential energy change due to the altitude loss of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The total flow of current from a generating plant such as a hydroelectric generator can be quite substantial.

For example, hydroelectric generators at Hoover Dam produce a maximum current of
`8.00×10³ A (8,000 amps)` at a voltage of
`250 kV.`

This means that the total flow of current from a generating plant may be as large as
`8,000 amps`.

Understanding the power output involves calculating the product of current and voltage. Considering the efficiency of the system and the potential energy derived from waterfalls calculations can find out specific energy production and flow rate details.

To answer part (a), the power output would be calculated using the formula,
`Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I).`

Thus,
`P = 250,000 volts × 8,000 amps` ,

Resulting in
`2.00×10¹ W or 2.00 GW` of power output.

For part (b) considering the efficiency and the mechanical energy derived from a given volume of water due to its change in altitude, one can calculate how many cubic meters per second of water are needed to generate this power.