All Flashcards
What is Hydropower?
Harnessing moving water to generate electricity.
What is a Reservoir?
An artificial lake created by a dam.
Define Turbine.
A device that converts kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy.
Define Generator.
A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
What is Kinetic Energy?
Energy possessed by a body due to its motion.
What is a Hydroelectric Dam?
A structure built across a river to store water and generate electricity.
Define Renewable Energy.
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished.
What is Tidal Power?
Capturing energy from ocean tides.
Define Sedimentation.
The deposition of sediment in a reservoir, reducing its capacity.
What is a Fish Ladder?
A structure that allows fish to migrate past a dam.
What are the steps in generating hydroelectric power using a dam?
Reservoir creation, water release, turbine rotation, electricity generation, distribution.
Describe the process of converting water flow into electricity.
Kinetic energy of water turns a turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity.
What are the steps involved in building a hydroelectric dam?
Site selection, environmental impact assessment, construction, reservoir filling, power generation.
What are the environmental consequences of dam construction?
Habitat destruction, altered water flow, blocked fish migration, changes in water quality, increased sedimentation.
How does dam construction affect local ecosystems?
Changes water temperature, nutrient flow, and sediment deposition, impacting aquatic life.
What is the effect of dams on fish migration?
Dams obstruct fish migration routes, disrupting breeding cycles and population dynamics.
How do reservoirs impact greenhouse gas emissions?
Decomposition of submerged vegetation in reservoirs can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
What is the impact of hydropower on downstream water quality?
Altered water flow and oxygen levels can negatively affect downstream water quality.
How does dam construction affect local human populations?
Displacement of communities, changes in water availability, economic impacts, and altered recreational opportunities.