Question

Answer the following questions from the figure:

1. With reference to point B, potential energy of how much water reservoir in the dam will be converted into kinetic energy?
2. What will be the effect on electricity generation if the channel taking water to the turbine starts at point A?
3. What will be the effect on electricity generation if the channel taking water to the turbine starts at point C?

Answer 1

1.  When the sluice gate at point B is opened, water from the reservoir begins to flow. The potential energy of the water stored above point B is converted into the kinetic energy of the water flowing through the sluice gate.
2. If the channel starts at point A, the water will have greater potential energy. As a result, it will reach the turbine with higher kinetic energy, causing the turbine to rotate faster and generating more electricity.
3. If the channel starts at point C, the water will have less potential energy. Therefore, it will reach the turbine with lower kinetic energy, causing the turbine to rotate more slowly and generating less electricity.