Answer to Question #328975 in Physics for Rae

Question

7. In which of the following is gravitational potential energy being transformed into kinetic energy?

(a) A car accelerating on a level road.

(b) A raindrop falling freely through the air.

(c) Water turning an electric turbine.

(d) A stone thrown up into the air.

Answer 1

Gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy in any situation of the free fall. Thus, it definitely are:

(b) A raindrop falling freely through the air.

(d) A stone thrown up into the air.

As for (c) Water turning an electric turbine, it depends on the arrangement of the construction. If water flows horizontally, there is no transformation, if vertically, there is a transformation between potential and kinetic energy.