Hydro Power Introduction

A Hydroelectric Dam in Operation
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Comparing Alternative Energy Forms

Hydro Power Introduction

Surfers enjoy the forces of the alternative energy form of water power. These force of the ocean are very similar to the forces that exist in rivers or inland bodies of water. The water moves from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, as seen when a wave crashes into the beach. The water molecules on the top of the wave eventually crash down to the beach because of the force of gravity pulling it toward the center of the earth. Waves actually form because of the forces of the moon pulling the water into the air, but because the gravitational force of the earth is stronger, the waves fall to the beach. There are other forces involved in the production of energy through hydro power. The Hydro physics page discusses not only these forces, but how the work done on a turbine produces energy.

Most alternative energy forms come in at least two varieties, hydro power included. Hydro means water, and can be used alone, or with the word electricity attached to the end of it. When hydro power is not used to produce electricity, it is classified "passive." When hydro power is used for electricity production, it is classified "active."

Alternative energy forms thrive on the current state of technology. Water power has a very long history because the amount of technology that was needed to create hydroelectric facilities on a large scale was available between 1920 - 1950.

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	Hydro Power Introduction Surfers enjoy the forces of the alternative energy form of water power. These force of the ocean are very similar to the forces that exist in rivers or inland bodies of water. The water moves from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, as seen when a wave crashes into the beach. The water molecules on the top of the wave eventually crash down to the beach because of the force of gravity pulling it toward the center of the earth. Waves actually form because of the forces of the moon pulling the water into the air, but because the gravitational force of the earth is stronger, the waves fall to the beach. There are other forces involved in the production of energy through hydro power. The Hydro physics page discusses not only these forces, but how the work done on a turbine produces energy. Most alternative energy forms come in at least two varieties, hydro power included. Hydro means water, and can be used alone, or with the word electricity attached to the end of it. When hydro power is not used to produce electricity, it is classified "passive." When hydro power is used for electricity production, it is classified "active." Alternative energy forms thrive on the current state of technology. Water power has a very long history because the amount of technology that was needed to create hydroelectric facilities on a large scale was available between 1920 - 1950.