Electricity from a dam.
How does falling water power a city?
Loading the experiment…
How does falling water power a city?
Complete the water, shaft and electrical routes.
Water loses gravitational potential energy as it descends through a turbine. A shaft carries the turbine’s rotation to a generator. Electricity leaves through a power line, while water returns to the river. More flow and more height can supply more power.
Fresh water, density 1,000 kg/m³; electrical power ρgQhη. Flow and head are independent teaching inputs. Turbine converts hydraulic work to rotation, generator to electricity. Water exits downstream.
Make electrical power from flowing water and a height difference.
Generate electrical power from water flowing downhill.