Question

Which of the following scientific phenomena is involved in the generation of hydroelectric power?
A. Motion of charged particles in electromagnetic field
B. Conversion of gravitational potential energy into electrical energy
C. Bernoulli’s principle in fluid dynamics
D. Trapping and cooling off atoms by laser beams and magnetic fields

Answer 1

Hydroelectric power is also known as hydropower which means the power that is generated from water (fast running). It’s working needs to be understood to see which scientific phenomenon is involved

Complete step by step answer:
In hydro power plants, hydroelectric power is generated as:
The water is stored at different elevations (heights: higher and lower and the difference between them is called the head). The water is allowed to fall from higher to lower elevation and this heavy flow of water makes the turbines rotate. The turbine’s mechanical energy (due to rotation) is then converted to electricity.
From the options:
As here it can be seen that there is no use of electromagnetic, magnetic, or atoms fields thus options A and D are canceled out.
C. Bernoulli’s principle in fluid dynamics: It states that with an increase in the speed of fluid comes the decrease in static pressure or potential energy.
B. Conversion of gravitational potential energy into electrical energy: When the water falls from the height its gravitational potential energy makes the turbines rotate whose mechanical energy then converts it into the electrical energy.
Therefore, the scientific phenomenon involved in the generation of hydroelectric power is the conversion of gravitational potential energy into electrical energy, option B.

Note: Hydroelectric power plants are generally located in dams and rivers.
It is the most widely used renewable form of energy.