A waterwheel is a device that converts the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy. It typically consists of a large wheel with blades or buckets attached to its circumference. As water flows over or under the wheel, it causes the wheel to turn, which can then be used to perform various tasks, such as grinding grain or powering machinery. Waterwheels have been used for centuries in various cultures and are often associated with early industrial processes. They can be found in many historical sites and are an important part of the history of hydropower and renewable energy development.