Water from a reservoir can be used to generate electricity on a large scale.Describe the energy transfers involved in this process
Question
Water from a reservoir can be used to generate electricity on a large scale. Describe the energy transfers involved in this process.
Solution
The process of generating electricity from water in a reservoir involves several energy transfers. Here are the steps:
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Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy: The water in the reservoir is stored at a height, which gives it potential energy. When the water is released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the water flows down due to gravity.
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Kinetic Energy to Mechanical Energy: The flowing water hits the blades of a turbine causing it to spin. This converts the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy of the spinning turbine.
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Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy: The spinning turbine is connected to a generator. Inside the generator, the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine is converted into electrical energy. This happens through electromagnetic induction, where the movement of the turbine in a magnetic field produces an electric current.
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Electrical Energy to Usable Power: The electrical energy generated is then transmitted through power lines and transformed into usable power for homes, businesses, and industries.
In summary, the energy transfers involved in generating electricity from a reservoir are from potential energy to kinetic energy, then to mechanical energy, and finally to electrical energy.
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