A Level Physics Practice Exam

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Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is one reason for energy loss in a hydro plant?

Energy loss due to evaporation
Energy loss due to friction in the turbine
Energy loss due to gravitational pull
Energy loss due to electrical resistance

The correct answer is: Energy loss due to friction in the turbine

In a hydro plant, one significant source of energy loss is due to friction in the turbine. When water flows through the turbine to generate electricity, it experiences resistance as it interacts with the turbine blades and other surfaces within the turbine system. This friction converts some of the mechanical energy of the flowing water into thermal energy, causing a loss of efficiency in the conversion process. The turbine is designed to maximize energy conversion, but no system is perfect, and some energy will always be dissipated as heat due to this friction. This loss reduces the overall efficiency of the hydroelectric power generation process, highlighting the importance of minimizing friction through optimal design and materials. Other factors contributing to energy loss, such as evaporation or electrical resistance, do occur in a hydro plant but are not primarily due to the turbine mechanism itself, which is why the friction-related loss is particularly pertinent in this context.