Which statement correctly identifies the relative levels of kinetic and potential energy in a hydroelectric dam? (1 point)
Kinetic energy is highest at the
• bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.
Kinetic and potential
• energy are both highest at the top.
Kinetic energy is highest at the top;
• potential energy is highest at the bottom.
Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the bottom.
Kinetic energy is highest at the top; potential energy is highest at the bottom.
The 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 identify the correct statement regarding the relative levels of kinetic and potential energy in a hydroelectric dam, we need to understand the concepts of kinetic energy and potential energy.
Kinetic energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on the mass and velocity of the object and can be calculated using the formula: KE = (1/2) * mass * velocity^2.
Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy stored by an object or system based on its position or state. In the case of a hydroelectric dam, the potential energy is mainly associated with the water stored at different heights behind the dam.
Considering this information, we can now analyze the given options:
1. Kinetic energy is highest at the bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.
This statement is correct. As water flows down from the top of the hydroelectric dam, its height decreases, resulting in a decrease in potential energy. However, its velocity increases due to gravitational pull, resulting in an increase in kinetic energy. Thus, the kinetic energy is highest at the bottom, while the potential energy is highest at the top.
2. Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the top.
This statement is incorrect. As described above, the potential energy decreases as the water flows down, so it is highest at the top. However, the kinetic energy increases with the water's velocity, so it is highest at the bottom.
3. Kinetic energy is highest at the top; potential energy is highest at the bottom.
This statement is incorrect. The kinetic energy increases as the water flows down due to an increase in velocity, making it highest at the bottom. Conversely, the potential energy decreases as the water's height decreases, so it is highest at the top.
4. Kinetic and potential energy are both highest at the bottom.
This statement is incorrect. The kinetic energy increases as the water flows down, making it highest at the bottom. However, the potential energy decreases as the water's height decreases, so it is highest at the top.
Therefore, the correct statement is: Kinetic energy is highest at the bottom; potential energy is highest at the top.