Which statement correctly identifies the relative levels of kinetic and potential energy in a hydroelectric dam?(1 point)
Responses
Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the top.
Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the top.
Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the bottom.
Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the bottom.
Kinetic energy is highest at the bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.
Kinetic energy is highest at the bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.
Kinetic energy is highest at the top; potential energy is highest at the bottom.
Kinetic energy is highest at the top; potential energy is highest at the bottom.
The correct answer is: Kinetic energy is highest at the bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.
The correct statement that correctly identifies the relative levels of kinetic and potential energy in a hydroelectric dam is: Kinetic energy is highest at the bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.
To understand why this statement is correct, let's first define what kinetic energy and potential energy are. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, while potential energy is the stored energy an object has based on its position or condition.
In a hydroelectric dam, water is stored in a reservoir at a higher elevation. This water has potential energy because of its elevated position. As the water flows downwards, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the water gains speed and motion.
At the bottom of the dam, where the water exits and turns the turbines to generate electricity, the water has the highest kinetic energy because it is moving with the maximum speed. This is where the kinetic energy reaches its peak.
On the other hand, at the top of the dam where the water is stored, the water has the highest potential energy due to its elevated position. This is where the potential energy reaches its peak.
Therefore, kinetic energy is highest at the bottom of the hydroelectric dam, while potential energy is highest at the top.