Chapter 8, Problem 14A

Why is the Pelton Wheel an improvement over paddle wheels with flat blades?

To determine

To Explain: Pelton wheel is an improvement over wheel with flat blades.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Applying impulse on any object causes vector change in the linear momentum of that object in the same direction.

The curved Pelton wheel is more efficient because it makes incoming water bounce back over the impact with the paddle, which causes the increase in impulse.

Conclusion:

Hence, Pelton wheel causes increase in impulse which make it efficient as compare to the flat blades.