Question

Water at the bottom of a waterfall becomes warmer than at the top. Explain, why?

Answer 1

Definition of potential and kinetic energy

1. The energy possessed by a body due to its position is termed potential energy.
2. The energy possessed by a body due to its motion is termed kinetic energy.

Explanation:

1. When water falls from a height, the gravitational potential energy gradually changes to kinetic energy.
2. Some kinetic energy is also converted to heat energy.
3. The heat energy produced increases the temperature of the water.

Therefore, water at the bottom of a waterfall becomes warmer than at the top due to the heat energy produced when water falls from a height.