5.90. Electric Generators http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 5.192
From Kinetic to Electrical Energy
Generators may be set up to produce either direct or alternating current. Generators in cars and most power plants
produce alternating current. Regardless of the type of current, all generators change kinetic energy to electrical
energy.
- A car generator produces electricity with some of the kinetic energy of the turning crankshaft. The electricity
is used to run the car’s lights, power windows, radio, and other electric devices. Some of the electricity is
stored in the car’s battery to provide electrical energy when the car isn’t running. - A power plant generator produces electricity with the kinetic energy of a turning turbine. The energy to turn
the turbine may come from burning fuel, falling water, or some other energy source. You can see how falling
water is used to generate electricity in a hydroelectric power plant in theFigure5.193.
FIGURE 5.193
Q:The water flowing through the dam and over the turbine has kinetic energy because it is moving. Where does the
water get the energy to move?