Two different rivers have drops that are the same height. In river A, this drop of the river is a waterfall. In river B. this drop has the generator for a hydroelectric dam. In what way does the energy of the water differ between the drops in the two rivers? (1 point)

Question

The potential energy of the water would be greater at the top of the drop in the waterfall river A than at the hydroelectric dam in river B.

The kinetic energy of the water would be greater at the bottom of the drop in the waterfall river A than at the hydroelectric dam in river B.

The potential energy of the water would be less at the top of the drop in the waterfall river A than at the hydroelectric dam in river B.

The kinetic energy of the water would be less at the bottom of the drop in the waterfall river A than at the hydroelectric dam river B.

Answer 1

The correct option is:

The kinetic energy of the water would be greater at the bottom of the drop in the waterfall river A than at the hydroelectric dam in river B.

In a waterfall scenario (river A), the water falls freely under the influence of gravity, typically leading to higher kinetic energy at the bottom due to the acceleration of the water as it falls. In contrast, at a hydroelectric dam (river B), while the water does also fall, much of its energy is converted into electrical energy by the dam's turbines, which can result in lower kinetic energy at the bottom compared to what is observed at the waterfall.