Question

The process of generating electricity from dams and nuclear power plants is very different, but some of the energy transformations are the same. Which energy transformations occur in both dams and nuclear power plants? Check all that apply.

kinetic energy to mechanical energy
nuclear energy to thermal energy
mechanical energy to electrical energy
thermal energy to electrical energy

Answer 1

- kinetic energy to mechanical energy
- mechanical energy to electrical energy

Explanation: Both use a moving fluid (water or steam) whose kinetic energy turns turbines (kinetic → mechanical), and both turbines drive generators that convert the mechanical rotation into electrical energy (mechanical → electrical). Nuclear plants also convert nuclear energy to thermal energy, which dams do not.