Hydro electric power

Question 1

Where does energy come from in hydro-electric power?

Answer 1

Hydro-electric power transfers energy from the kinetic energy store of falling water.

Question 2

How does hydro-electric power work?

Answer 2

It usually requires the flooding of a valley, by building a dam. Rainwater is caught and allowed out through turbines

Question 3

What impact does hydro-electric power have on the environment?

Answer 3

There is no pollution (as such) but there’s a massive impact on the environment due to the flooding of the valley. The submersion of vegetation leads it to rot and therefore release carbon dioxide and methane. The dam also leads to the loss of habitats for some species and sometimes the loss of villages.

Question 4

What are some other disadvantages of using hydro-electric power?

Answer 4

Reservoirs can also look ugly when dry up. - putting hydroelectric power stations in remote valleys lessens the impact on humans
.high initial costs

Question 5

What are advantages of hydro-electric power?

Answer 5

. can provide immediate response to an increased demand for electricity
.no fuel costs and minimal running costs
can be a useful way to generate electricity on a small scale in remote areas
. only problems with reliability are in times of draught but we live in the UK so…