Hydrolectric-uses

= Hydroelectric uses = by Maddy Tetrault

=== Hydroelectric energy is a way of getting energy using moving water. Hydroelectric energy uses the kinetic energy of moving water to make electricity. A big part of hydroelectric energy is the water cycle. The [|water cycle] is when the solar energy from the sun heats the water on the surface, causing it to evaporate. Then the vapor condenses into clouds and falls back to the surface as precipitation or rain/snow. Next the water flows through rivers and into the ocean to start the cycle again. The water cycle is important because it is what keeps the water renewable, since the water always comes back.The flow or fall of water determines the amount of available energy. It is important to understand that a big river with fast flowing water can provide a huge amount of energy in the same way that water that falls rapidly from a high position such as the water falls carries a great amount of energy. ===

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=== For hundreds of years corn and flour were ground using hydroelectric energy. The water would flow onto the wheel causing the wheel to move. Then the wheel is pushed around with the water. The grind wheel is attached to the water wheel and the motion of the water wheel turns the grind wheel causing the corn and lour to be ground up. ===


 * The cost of hydroelectric energy is very low. This is because it is a renewable source. If you live near a river or the ocean this would be a good solution for you because it would keep costs down. Hydroelectric power is 7% 0f total u.s. energy power. Hydroelectric power is measured by KWH. The average amount of money per KWH if 0.04 cents. Operating costs are .06 cents per KWH. Were as a coal plant mining is $2.02 per KWH, which is a lot more expensive. **

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 * [|**http://zebu.uoregon.edu/1998/ph162/l14.html**] This web site will give more info for costs of hydroelectric power. **