Hydroelectric power stations turn the potential energy of stored water into electricity. Here’s how they work:
Water Flow: Water is stored high up, like in a dam. When it flows down, gravity pulls it down. This water has potential energy. We can calculate this energy using a simple formula:
Potential Energy = mass of water × gravity × height
In this formula, the mass is measured in kilograms, gravity is about 9.81 meters per second squared, and height is in meters.
Turbine Rotation: As the water moves down, it spins big turbines. The energy from the water helps these turbines turn.
Electricity Generation: These turbines are connected to machines called generators. When the turbines spin, they create electric current using a process called electromagnetic induction. This changes the kinetic energy from the spinning turbines into electrical energy.
Efficiency: Today’s hydroelectric plants are very efficient. They usually convert about 90% of the water's energy into electricity. This makes them one of the best ways to produce energy.
Hydroelectric power stations turn the potential energy of stored water into electricity. Here’s how they work:
Water Flow: Water is stored high up, like in a dam. When it flows down, gravity pulls it down. This water has potential energy. We can calculate this energy using a simple formula:
Potential Energy = mass of water × gravity × height
In this formula, the mass is measured in kilograms, gravity is about 9.81 meters per second squared, and height is in meters.
Turbine Rotation: As the water moves down, it spins big turbines. The energy from the water helps these turbines turn.
Electricity Generation: These turbines are connected to machines called generators. When the turbines spin, they create electric current using a process called electromagnetic induction. This changes the kinetic energy from the spinning turbines into electrical energy.
Efficiency: Today’s hydroelectric plants are very efficient. They usually convert about 90% of the water's energy into electricity. This makes them one of the best ways to produce energy.