Generators are used to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. A magnet rotates inside a coil of wire. When the magnet moves, an electric current is produced in the wire.

Most power stations use turbines to make the generator rotate. Water is heated to make steam , which pushes the blades of the turbine. Gas, oil or coal can be used to heat the water. Some countries build power stations on rivers, where the moving water pushes the turbine blades.



Image (slightly altered) : Tennessee Valley Authority; SVG version by Tomia, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons



Words

  • blade = a flat part of an object that pushes against water
  • coil of wire = a wire that goes around an object in a circle and produces light or heat when electricity passes through 
  • current = a flow of electricity through a piece of metal
  • generator = a machine that produces electricity
  • rotate = to go around
  • steam = the white gas that water produces when you make it hot 
  • transform = change
  • turbine = a motor that moves a special wheel around 
  • wire = a very thin piece of metal in which electricity can pass through