how do water powered mills work????
please help!!!!!!!!
due tomorrow
only in 5th grade make it not complicated
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "water-powered mills" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watermill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydropower
(Broken Link Removed)
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
thank you so much
Water-powered mills, also known as water mills or waterwheels, were used in the past to harness the energy of flowing water to perform various tasks like grinding grain, sawing lumber, or running machinery. These mills played a significant role in early industrialization. Here's a simple explanation of how water-powered mills work:
1. Water Source: Water-powered mills rely on a steady supply of flowing water, usually from a river or stream. The force of the moving water is used to generate power.
2. Water Wheel: The water wheel is the main component of a water-powered mill. It is a large wooden or metal wheel with buckets or blades arranged around its perimeter. The water wheel is mounted horizontally or vertically on an axle, allowing it to rotate.
3. Diversion of Water: To direct the flowing water towards the water wheel, a diversion channel or mill race is created. This channel leads the water towards the wheel, often at an elevated level, to maximize the force of gravity acting on it.
4. Water Impact: As the water flows into the buckets or blades on the wheel, it imparts its kinetic energy to the water wheel. The weight of the water and the force of its impact cause the wheel to rotate.
5. Mechanical Power Transfer: The rotating water wheel is connected to a system of gears, belts, or pulleys that transmit the rotational motion to the mill machinery. This mechanism enables the water wheel to power the desired task, such as grinding grain or sawing lumber.
6. Work Operation: The machinery attached to the water wheel would perform the specific task required. For instance, in a grain mill, the rotation of the water wheel would turn the millstones inside the mill, grinding the grains into flour.
7. Excess Water: After driving the wheel, the water exits through the bottom and rejoins the natural water source, completing the cycle. It is common for water-powered mills to have a spillway to regulate the water level and prevent flooding.
Water-powered mills were an essential technology in ancient times and remained in use until the advent of steam power. They provided a sustainable and reliable source of energy, particularly in areas with abundant water resources.
Remember to further research and include any specific details or diagrams required for your homework assignment. Good luck!