This applet simulates how a hydroelectric dam produces energy in the form of electric power.
To try this
simulation:
Right-click your mouse to change water sources. Left-click and drag your mouse to rotate the applet.
What's Going On?
Water in motion means ENERGY! If water is moving, water at a higher level is on its way to a lower level. Water is held in tanks at two different levels above the wheel. The difference in tank height affects the water's flow rate as it spills over the wheel paddles. The water pushes the wheel downward and the wheel rotates. An electrical generator is attached to the wheel. This produces electricity, indicated by the Power meter on the left. All of this action is generated by the motion of the falling water!
There's More!
Water wheels have been used to do work for hundreds of years. Old style water wheels moved giant millstones for grinding corn and wheat and also powered machines like lathes and saws as this was a cheap and readily available source of power. Later, water energy was converted to electricity.
We still use water wheels today in giant hydroelectric dams and power generating stations. The equipment is more sophisticated, but the principles are still the same.
