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This quiz contains 6 questions from a mix of 1 subtopics.
Hydroelectric dams
electricity / downstream / turbines / reservoir / generator
- As water flows downhill (e.g. from mountains), a hydroelectric dam will trap the water in a man made lake, which is also known as a .
- Then whenever water is released through the dam, it spins which are connected to generators, and so produce .
- The water can then return to the river on the side of the dam.
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Tidal barrages work in a similar way to hydroelectric dams. However, instead of damming water that's flowed down from upstream like a conventional dam, a tidal barrage allows water to flow into a bay or river during tide, and then releases that water during tide.
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Energy transfer in hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages
In both cases the water on the higher side of the dam or barrage contains lots of potential energy. Once the dam or barrage is opened, this energy is transferred to energy as the water rushes down to the lower side.
As the waters moves past , some of its kinetic energy is transferred to the turbines, causing them to start spinning. can then use this energy to generate electrical power.
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Which energy transfer takes place as water flows from the higher side of a hydroelectric dam (or tidal barrage) to the lower side?
Gravitational potential energy ➔ kinetic energy
Kinetic energy ➔ tidal energy
Kinetic energy ➔ gravitational potential energy
Chemical energy ➔ kinetic energy
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What are the advantage(s) of hydroelectric dams?
(Select all that apply)
They are expensive to set up
Higher electricity demands can be met by increasing water flow
They are a source of renewable energy
They can alter fish migration patterns
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What are the disadvantage(s) of hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?
(Select all that apply)
They don't produce very much pollution
They can flood land upstream
Running costs are fairly low
Upfront building costs are quite high
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