How do generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy?

The potential energy of water in dams is converted into mechanical energy that runs huge generators.

How do generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy?hack into myspace

When you pass a metal wire through a magnetic field, an electrical current is created in the wire. This is is called electromagnetic induction. Basically an electrical generator is an engineered means of continuously moving multiple wires through magnetic fields to produce a steady electrical current.

All the descriptions the others have given explain the structure of a generator nicely so I won't bother.

As also pointed out, there is no real difference between and electric motor and an electric generator. A motor has elecrical energy going in and mechanical energy going out, a generator has mechanical energy going in and electrical energy going out.

How do generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy?myspace code myspace.com

By passing "Copper windings" through magnetic fields. (or visa versa)
The water behind the dam has potential energy. This potential energy is converted to kinetic energy when the valves are opened and water flows out of the dam. This kinetic energy is then used to turn the generators.

Inside the generators, there are essentially large coils of wire that are surrounded by large magnets. The water flowing out of the dam turns the wheels that then rotate the coils of wire inside the non-moving magnets. This induces a current as the electrons in the wire are moving in a magnetic field (this applies a force on them and makes them move) and you have generated energy.

EXTRA - If you turn this around and hook a generator up to an electrical power source, it becomes an electric motor.
The turbines placed in the path of the water from the dam is connected to the shaft of the electric generator. The flowing water rotates the turbine which in turn rotates the shaft. The shaft is connected to a rectangular coil of wire through a pair of slip rings. Therfore the coil also rotates with the shaft. The coil is placed between the pole pieces of a powerful magnet. As the coil rotates, it continuously cuts the magnetic field lines linked with it. Then an induced current flows through the coil by the phenomenon of electromagneitc induction.