Iceland is a country that generates nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources. In 2013, about 80% of Iceland's electricity was generated using hydroelectric power stations (HEP). Describe how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station. Include the useful energy taking place.

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Iceland is a country that generates nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources. In 2013, about 80% of Iceland's electricity was generated using hydroelectric power stations (HEP). Describe how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station. Include the useful energy taking place.

Answer 1

Electricity in a hydroelectric power station is generated through the harnessing of water's energy flow or fall. The conversion process of energy happens in sequence as: gravitational potential energy (due to stored water in high altitude reservoir) transforms into kinetic energy (when the water is released and flows or falls), which then drives a turbine to convert it into mechanical energy. At the last stage, an attached generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy used as electricity.

Answer 2

## Step 1: Description of the Functioning of a Hydroelectric Power Station A hydroelectric power station generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water. When water flows or falls, it carries with it significant kinetic energy. In a hydroelectric power plant, this kinetic energy is harnessed and converted into electrical energy. ## Step 2: Description of the Energy Transfers The process of generating electricity in a hydroelectric power plant involves the following sequential energy transfers: ### \( \textbf{Potential Energy} \rightarrow \textbf{Kinetic Energy} \rightarrow \textbf{Mechanical Energy} \rightarrow \textbf{Electrical Energy} \) Initially, water stored in a reservoir behind the dam has a certain gravitational potential energy because of its height. When released, this water comes down with a high speed generating kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of the flowing or falling water is harnessed by the turbine, converting it into mechanical energy. Finally, this rotational mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by a generator attached to the turbine.

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