AP Environmental Science · Unit 6 Energy Resources
Learning Objectives
The Universal Turbine: Almost all commercial power—coal, nuclear, wind, geothermal, and hydro—works by spinning a turbine connected to a magnetic generator. Solar PV is the main exception.
Geothermal: Uses Earth's internal magma heat (radioactive decay) to flash water into steam. The steam spins the turbine, condensates, and is pumped back.
Hydroelectric: Uses gravitational potential energy of falling water to physically spin the turbine directly.
Tags
EnergyGeothermalHydroelectricTurbine
Select Plant Type
The Universal Equation
Water Pressure → kinetic → mechanical → electrical
Hydroelectric Power: Gravitational potential energy (water behind a massive concrete dam) is converted into extreme kinetic energy as it rushes down the penstock. This water physically strikes the blades of a turbine, spinning a huge magnet inside copper wire coils to generate alternating current. Zero emissions, but severely disrupts upstream river ecosystems and blocks fish migration.
AP Exam Tip
You MUST know what makes the turbine spin for every single energy source. Wind and Hydro push it directly. Biomass, Coal, Nuclear, and Geothermal boil water into high-pressure steam to push it. Only Solar Photovoltaic (PV) creates electricity chemically without moving a turbine!