Chapter 2: Problem 37
Which form of energy does a flowing river possess? A. gravitational energy B. potential energy C. electrical energy D. kinetic energy
Short Answer
Expert verified
D. kinetic energy
Step by step solution
01
- Understand Energy Types
Different forms of energy are being considered: gravitational energy, potential energy, electrical energy, and kinetic energy. Gravitational energy is associated with the force of gravity acting on an object. Potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position or state. Electrical energy is energy caused by the movement of electrons. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.
02
- Analyze the Energy in a Flowing River
A flowing river involves the movement of water. To understand which type of energy this represents, consider the fact that moving objects have kinetic energy. Hence, the moving water in a river is an example of kinetic energy.
03
- Identify the Correct Option
Given the analysis, the correct form of energy for a flowing river is the one associated with motion, which is kinetic energy. Therefore, the correct answer is option D.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the energy that an object has because of its motion. Whenever something is moving, it has kinetic energy. For example, a car driving down the street, a ball rolling on the ground, or even water flowing in a river all possess kinetic energy.
The formula for kinetic energy is \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where \( KE \) is kinetic energy, \( m \) is mass, and \( v \) is velocity. This means that the faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.
Understanding kinetic energy helps us explain why a flowing river has kinetic energy. The water in the river is moving, and thus, it has kinetic energy. Moving objects - big or small - all have kinetic energy, including the water in a river.
The formula for kinetic energy is \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where \( KE \) is kinetic energy, \( m \) is mass, and \( v \) is velocity. This means that the faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.
Understanding kinetic energy helps us explain why a flowing river has kinetic energy. The water in the river is moving, and thus, it has kinetic energy. Moving objects - big or small - all have kinetic energy, including the water in a river.
potential energy
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its position or state. For example, a rock sitting on top of a hill has potential energy due to its height. If the rock falls, this potential energy would be converted into kinetic energy.
The formula for gravitational potential energy is \( PE = mgh \), where \( PE \) is potential energy, \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height. This means the higher an object is, the more potential energy it has.
Unlike kinetic energy, potential energy does not depend on the object's movement but rather its position or state. For instance, water stored in a dam has potential energy due to its elevated position. When the water is released, it flows with kinetic energy as it converts potential to kinetic energy.
The formula for gravitational potential energy is \( PE = mgh \), where \( PE \) is potential energy, \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height. This means the higher an object is, the more potential energy it has.
Unlike kinetic energy, potential energy does not depend on the object's movement but rather its position or state. For instance, water stored in a dam has potential energy due to its elevated position. When the water is released, it flows with kinetic energy as it converts potential to kinetic energy.
gravitational energy
Gravitational energy is a type of potential energy related to an object's height and the force of gravity. This energy results from the gravitational attraction between objects with mass. Essentially, it is the energy stored due to an object's position relative to Earth or another massive body.
The higher an object is placed in a gravitational field, the more gravitational energy it stores. For instance, a book on a shelf has gravitational energy that will be converted into kinetic energy if it falls.
Gravitational energy is an important concept in understanding activities involving height and gravity, such as roller coasters, skydiving, and even the water in elevated dams. However, in a flowing river scenario, since we are talking about the movement of water, kinetic energy is the primary focus.
The higher an object is placed in a gravitational field, the more gravitational energy it stores. For instance, a book on a shelf has gravitational energy that will be converted into kinetic energy if it falls.
Gravitational energy is an important concept in understanding activities involving height and gravity, such as roller coasters, skydiving, and even the water in elevated dams. However, in a flowing river scenario, since we are talking about the movement of water, kinetic energy is the primary focus.
electrical energy
Electrical energy is the energy caused by the movement of electric charges, specifically electrons. This is the form of energy we use to power electrical devices, like lights, computers, and appliances. Power plants generate electricity by converting other forms of energy into electrical energy.
For example, hydroelectric plants use the kinetic energy of falling water to turn turbines, generating electrical energy. The flow of electrons through a conductor, such as wiring, allows electrical appliances to work.
Even though a flowing river can be harnessed to produce electrical energy in hydroelectric plants, the energy directly associated with the movement of the river's water itself is kinetic energy. Through mechanisms in the power plants, this kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.
For example, hydroelectric plants use the kinetic energy of falling water to turn turbines, generating electrical energy. The flow of electrons through a conductor, such as wiring, allows electrical appliances to work.
Even though a flowing river can be harnessed to produce electrical energy in hydroelectric plants, the energy directly associated with the movement of the river's water itself is kinetic energy. Through mechanisms in the power plants, this kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.