During leakage through a hole, which energy form is converted to thermal energy due to friction?

During leakage through a hole, which energy form is converted to thermal energy due to friction?

• A. Potential energy
• B. Thermal energy
• C. Kinetic energy
• D. Chemical energy

Answer: (C)

When the fluid leaks through the hole, it is moving and carries kinetic energy. Friction from viscous forces and contact with the hole and surrounding surfaces opposes that motion and dissipates part of this kinetic energy as heat. This conversion of kinetic energy into internal energy shows up as thermal energy in the fluid and nearby materials. Potential energy isn’t the energy being transformed here, and chemical energy isn’t involved in this mechanical heating process.

When the fluid leaks through the hole, it is moving and carries kinetic energy. Friction from viscous forces and contact with the hole and surrounding surfaces opposes that motion and dissipates part of this kinetic energy as heat. This conversion of kinetic energy into internal energy shows up as thermal energy in the fluid and nearby materials. Potential energy isn’t the energy being transformed here, and chemical energy isn’t involved in this mechanical heating process.