Hydroelectricity

• How do hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages generate electricity?

  By using differences in water levels
• What is the main difference between hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?

  What causes the difference in water levels
• What do we call the accumulated water behind a hydroelectric dam?

  Reservoir
• What natural phenomenon do tidal barrages utilize to generate power?

  The cyclic rise and fall of sea levels
• What primarily causes tides?

  The moon's gravity
• Where are tidal barrages typically placed?

  In estuaries where rivers meet the ocean
• What type of energy is converted into electricity in hydroelectric systems?

  Gravitational potential energy
• How does the water released from reservoirs contribute to electricity generation?

  It spins the blades of turbines
• What happens to the water after it passes through the turbines in a dam?

  It flows back into the river
• What are the pros of hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?

  • Generate large amounts of energy
  • No pollution produced
  • Reliable electricity sources
  • Low running costs
  • Can operate on various scales
• What are the cons of hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?

  • Significant environmental impact
  • Flooding of large areas
  • Disruption of fish migrations
  • High initial setup costs
• How do hydroelectric dams respond to increased electricity demand?

  They provide an immediate response
• What is a common environmental consequence of hydroelectric dams?

  Flooding important habitats
• How do both hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages affect aquatic life?

  They can stop fish from migrating
• What is a significant drawback of the initial setup for hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?

  It is often expensive