Hydroelectric power is energy that is harnessed by water that flows in rivers. We get this power by using hydroelectric dams (pictured left). Water flows into the dams down ramps called penstocks. There are turbines at the bottom of the penstocks, which turn when the water hits them. When the turbines rotate, it creates electricity for us to use.
Hydropower is renewable because the water cycle lets water flow down rivers infinitely. It is kinetic energy because the water is moving. It is also mechanical energy because the motion itself is what lets us use the energy. The sun is responsible for hydropower because the sun evaporates water into vapor. Then, the water goes through the water cycle until it ends up in rivers. Then the water flows through the hydroelectric dam and lets us use energy. Hydropower has its advantages and its disadvantages. Hydropower is renewable, so it won't run out. However, it impacts the environment by destroying fish habitats, interfering with navigation, and also releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Hydropower is renewable because the water cycle lets water flow down rivers infinitely. It is kinetic energy because the water is moving. It is also mechanical energy because the motion itself is what lets us use the energy. The sun is responsible for hydropower because the sun evaporates water into vapor. Then, the water goes through the water cycle until it ends up in rivers. Then the water flows through the hydroelectric dam and lets us use energy. Hydropower has its advantages and its disadvantages. Hydropower is renewable, so it won't run out. However, it impacts the environment by destroying fish habitats, interfering with navigation, and also releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The diagram above is an example of a transformation of hydroelectric power. First, the sun (radiant energy) evaporates water into water vapor (thermal energy). The water goes on through the entire water cycle. Next, the water goes through a hydroelectric dam in a river and spins a turbine (mechanical energy). Then, the turbine turns a generator. Power lines (electrical energy) go out from the generator to give us electricity to do things like work a toaster.