Question

1. use the diagram of the pelton wheel above to explain how the blades work.

Explanation:

The Pelton - wheel blades are designed to receive a high - velocity jet of water. When the water jet strikes the blades, it imparts an impulse to them. The shape of the blades, typically a double - bucket or spoon - like design, splits the water jet and redirects the flow. This redirection of water flow changes the momentum of the water, and according to Newton's third law, the blades experience an equal and opposite force. This force causes the blades to rotate, converting the kinetic energy of the water jet into mechanical rotational energy.

Answer:

The water jet strikes the blades, imparts an impulse, and due to the blade shape which redirects the water flow, changing its momentum, the blades experience a force that causes them to rotate, converting water's kinetic energy into mechanical rotational energy.