Why are the turbines for hydroelectric dams located far below the top of the dam? (1 point)

Question

to allow the kinetic energy of the
• water to increase greatly before reaching the turbines
to allow the potential energy of the
• water to increase greatly before reaching the turbines
to ensure that the water does not
• lose too much potential energy before reaching the turbines
to ensure that the water does not
• lose too much kinetic energy before reaching the turbines

Answer 1

The correct answer is: to ensure that the water does not lose too much potential energy before reaching the turbines.

Hydroelectric dams harness the potential energy of water stored at a height. Locating the turbines far below the top of the dam allows the water to maintain most of its potential energy as it flows down, which is then converted into kinetic energy to drive the turbines effectively.