Hydropower
Definition
Hydropower is an alternative energy source where electricity is generated by the movement of water from higher to lower elevations.
Analogy
Think of hydropower as you would think about going down a slide at the playground. The higher up you are, the more potential energy you have. As you slide down, this potential energy turns into kinetic energy, which is what we capture in hydropower plants.
Related terms
Dams: Dams are barriers built across rivers or streams to control water flow or create reservoirs.
Turbines: Turbines are machines that convert fluid flow into mechanical motion, which then drives generators to produce electricity.
Reservoirs: Reservoirs are artificial lakes where water is stored for various uses including power generation, irrigation, and drinking supply.
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