Question

Which energy of water is used to produce hydroelectricity?
A. Potential energy.
B. Kinetic energy.
C. Both A and B.
D. None of these.

Answer 1

Hint: Hydroelectricity is electricity made by generators that are pushed by the movement of water.

Complete answer:
Hydroelectricity is produced using both Potential energy and Kinetic energy of water.
It is usually made with dams that block a river to make a reservoir or collect water that is pumped there. When the water is released, the pressure behind the dam forces the water downpipes that leads to a turbine. This causes the turbine to turn, which in turn, turns a generator which makes electricity.
When water is stored at a height it has potential energy in it. When this water is allowed to flow down from a height, the potential energy of water gets converted into kinetic energy. A hydraulic turbine thus converts the energy of this flowing water into mechanical energy. A hydroelectric generator converts this mechanical energy into electricity. Both potential energy and kinetic energy of water are used for generating hydroelectricity.

So, the correct answer is- ‘both A and B'.

Note: The way in which electricity is produced using potential energy and kinetic energy of water does not harm the environment as much as fossil fuels like oil or coal do. Hydroelectricity is very powerful and safe and produces no waste. This renewable energy method makes about one-sixth of the world’s electricity.