By interfering with the natural flow of water, dams produce an artificial lake or reservoir. Water that amasses within the reservoir rises and gains potential energy. When allowed to pass through the dam, the water falls to a lower level. As it drops, the water's potential energy is changed into kinetic energy. A pinwheel-like device called a turbine harnesses this energy.
Water striking the turbine's blades causes the turbine's shaft to rotate.
This rotational movement is transferred to a nearby generator. Within the generator, the spinning motion is changed into electrical energy. This energy is then sent out to an electrical power grid along high voltage transmission lines. As in most organisms, the concentration of salt in the cells of dolphins is similar to that of ocean water. In ocean water, cells of an organism are in balance inside and out.