What is the sequence of energy conversions takes place in hydro power plants?
Potential Energy - Kinetic Energy - Mechanical Energy - Electrical Energy
Water stored in the dam has potential energy. When gates of the dam are opened, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the water flows down. The water flow strikes the blades of the turbine and causes it to spin, converting some of the water’s kinetic energy into mechanical energy. A shaft connects the turbine to a generator which converts this mechanical energy to electrical energy.