What machine converts kinetic energy into electricity?

• A. Turbine
• B. Battery
• C. Dynamo
• D. Generator

Answer: (D)

The key idea is turning energy in motion into electrical energy. A generator does this by using electromagnetic induction: as its rotor spins, conductors move through a magnetic field, producing an electric current and thus electricity. The energy driving the rotation could come from kinetic energy passing through a turbine that powers the generator. A turbine itself isn’t generating electricity; it converts the kinetic energy of a moving fluid into rotational mechanical energy to drive a generator. A dynamo is another device that produces electricity from motion, but the common term for this function is generator. A battery stores chemical energy and releases electrical energy, but it does not convert kinetic energy into electricity.