Question

read the passage.
from hydroelectric power: how it works

so just how do we get electricity from water?
actually, hydroelectric and coal-fired power plants produce
electricity in a similar way. in both cases a power source is
used to turn a propeller-like piece called a turbine, which
then turns a metal shaft in an electric generator, which is the
motor that produces electricity. a coal-fired power plant
uses steam to turn the turbine blades; whereas a
hydroelectric plant uses falling water to turn the turbine. the
results are the same.

(from \hydroelectric power: how it works\ by u.s. geological survey)

based on the information in the passage, which statement is true about both
water and coal?

1. both can be used at the same electric power plants.
2. both are able to generate the same amount of electricity.
3. both can produce the power needed to generate electricity.
4. both are the main power sources used at electric power plants.

Explanation:

The passage states both hydroelectric (water) and coal-fired plants use their respective sources to power turbines for electricity. Option 1 is false as they use different plant setups. Option 2 is unstated; no equal output is mentioned. Option 4 is unproven, as the text doesn't call them the "main" sources. Only option 3 matches: both provide the power to run the turbine and generate electricity.

Answer:

1. Both can produce the power needed to generate electricity.