Turbine-free electricity generation

Steps:

• Recall that turbines convert mechanical energy to electrical energy via rotation in most power stations.
• Examine each option: hydroelectric uses water-driven turbines; nuclear uses steam-driven turbines; solar cells convert light directly to electricity; wind uses wind-driven turbines.
• Identify the option without mechanical rotation or turbine involvement.

Why C is correct:

• Solar cells generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where photons excite electrons in semiconductors, producing direct current without any moving parts or turbines.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Hydroelectric stations use turbines rotated by falling water to drive generators.
• B: Nuclear stations heat water to steam, which spins turbines connected to generators.
• D: Wind generators employ turbines with blades rotated by wind to produce electricity.

Final answer: C