♻️ap environmental science review

Turbine

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of a moving fluid (such as water, steam, or wind) into mechanical energy. It consists of blades or vanes that are rotated by the fluid flow, which in turn drives a generator to produce electricity.