Hydroelectric Power (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define hydroelectricity.
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Define hydroelectricity.
Hydroelectricity is the generation of electricity using the energy of moving water.
What energy transfers take place in a hydroelectric plant?
The potential and kinetic energy of the water becomes mechanical energy in the turbines, which generators convert into electrical energy.
What does the water head created by a dam maximize?
The height difference (water head) created by a dam maximizes the water's potential energy.
Generators in a hydroelectric plant convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic .
Generators in a hydroelectric plant convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.
Define impoundment.
Impoundment is the most common type of hydroelectric plant, using a dam to store water in a reservoir that is released through turbines.
True or False?
Impoundment power stations are slow to respond to changes in electricity demand.
False.
Impoundment stations are responsive because they can be turned on and off easily to meet changing demand.
Why are impoundment power stations expensive to build?
Impoundment power stations are expensive to build because the land and properties must be acquired for the reservoir.
Define run-of-the-river.
Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity uses the natural flow of a river, with turbines placed in the channel flow and the water returned to the river afterward.
In a run-of-the-river scheme, water is directed to the power plant through a headrace or .
In a run-of-the-river scheme, water is directed to the power plant through a headrace or penstock.
Why might a run-of-the-river scheme on a fish-bearing river need a fish ladder?
A fish ladder allows fish to continue their migration past the scheme.
Define pumped storage.
Pumped storage pumps water from a lower to an upper reservoir during low electricity demand, then releases it to generate electricity during peak demand.
Why is pumped storage limited in where it can be built?
Pumped storage needs specific landforms, such as mountains and valleys, and large reservoirs.
Which forces drive the tides used in tidal energy?
Tidal energy comes from the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun, along with the rotation of the Earth.
Define tidal range.
The tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide; a larger range gives more potential energy.
How do tidal stream generators produce electricity?
Tidal stream generators use underwater turbines in fast-flowing tidal currents to capture the kinetic energy of moving water.
True or False?
Tidal power is an unpredictable energy source.
False.
Tidal patterns are highly predictable, although output is intermittent because it depends on the tidal cycle.
How does a tidal barrage generate electricity?
A tidal barrage is a dam across the entrance of a tidal basin that stores water at a height; when opened, the water flows through a channel over a turbine.
How does a tidal lagoon generate electricity?
A tidal lagoon is an enclosed area that captures high-tide water and releases it through turbines at low tide.
Why is hydroelectric power renewable?
Hydroelectric power is renewable because it relies on the water cycle, which precipitation continuously replenishes.
True or False?
Hydroelectric plants release large amounts of greenhouse gases while they operate.
False.
Hydroelectric power has low greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
How does dam and reservoir construction harm river environments?
Dams and reservoirs flood valleys, destroy habitats, disrupt fish migration routes, and reduce water quality.
Hydroelectric power is because it can respond to demand quickly, generating large amounts of electricity in a short time.
Hydroelectric power is flexible because it can respond to demand quickly, generating large amounts of electricity in a short time.
How can climate change affect hydroelectric power?
Climate change can affect the water supply, changing reservoir levels and making hydroelectric power less reliable.
Define displacement.
Displacement is the relocation of communities and wildlife that the construction of large dams makes necessary.
True or False?
Hydroelectric plants can be built almost anywhere.
False.
Suitable sites for hydroelectric plants are limited by geography.
Why is hydroelectricity described as reliable?
Hydroelectricity is reliable because it provides a consistent and predictable source of electricity.
What infrastructure carries electricity from a hydroelectric plant to the grid?
High-voltage power lines carry the electricity from a hydroelectric plant to the grid.
Why does hydroelectric power have high initial costs?
Hydroelectric power has high initial costs because building the dam and power plant requires significant investment.
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