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Generator Definition

A generator converts energy from one form to another. For example, it can turn wind energy into electricity.

View Lesson on Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • When flowing water turns a waterwheel, it can power a generator.
  • Burning fossil fuels to power generators releases chemicals into the air and water.
  • Solar collectors and generators use costly materials that can make them expensive to produce.

Why Do We Need To Know About Generator

Learning about generators helps us understand how we turn one type of energy into another. This is important for making electricity in places like power plants. This process keeps our homes and businesses running.

Knowing about generators is useful in many jobs, like in green energy, car design, especially electric cars like Tesla, and creating better batteries. This knowledge can help you in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do different types of fuels create different types of energy?
All types of fuels can be burned for energy. Burning coal, oil and natural gas produces heat, which is then converted to other energy forms, like electricity.
Are energy sources unlimited?
Some energy sources are more limited than others. Coal, oil and natural gas are used a lot right now but they could run out in only a few generations. Renewable sources like wind, sunlight, biomass, geothermal, and water power can be easily renewed and are almost unlimited!
Why are renewable energy sources important for Earth’s future?
If we are still dependent on non-renewable energy sources when they run out, we will not have enough energy to meet our needs.
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