Hydroelectric Energy (Easy Questions)

Hydroelectric energy is considered as a renewable resource, not a nonrenewable resource. This is because it relies on the natural water cycle, where water is constantly replenished through rainfall and snowmelt. As long as there is a steady supply of water, hydroelectric power can be generated continuously without depleting the resource. Therefore, the statement that hydroelectric energy is considered as nonrenewable is false.

Dams are the main power of a hydroelectric plant because they are used to store water in a reservoir. The water is then released from the dam, flowing through turbines which generate electricity. Dams provide a controlled and consistent supply of water, allowing for a reliable source of energy. Canals, rivers, and lakes are not the main power of a hydroelectric plant as they do not have the same ability to store and control water flow.

Hydroelectric energy works by using the force of flowing water to turn a turbine, which is connected to a generator. The flowing water rotates the turbine blades, similar to a propeller, which then spins the generator to produce electricity. This process harnesses the kinetic energy of moving water to generate power.

Hydroelectric energy converts the gravitational potential energy of water into kinetic energy. As water flows down from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, it gains speed and kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is then harnessed by turbines, which convert it into mechanical energy, and ultimately into electrical energy. Therefore, the correct answer is kinetic energy.

China is the correct answer because it is currently the top-ranked country in hydroelectric energy production worldwide. China has a significant number of hydroelectric power plants and has made substantial investments in this renewable energy source. The country's large rivers and mountainous terrain provide ample opportunities for the development of hydroelectric projects, allowing China to generate a substantial amount of its electricity from hydropower. As a result, China has surpassed other countries, including the United States, Europe, and the Philippines, in hydroelectric energy production.

The correct answer is "its costs very little to construct." This statement suggests that the construction cost of hydroelectric power plants is low. However, this is not true as hydroelectric power plants require significant investment for construction, including the building of dams, installation of turbines, and transmission infrastructure. Therefore, this option is not an advantage of hydroelectric power.

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards each other. In the context of the question, gravity is responsible for pulling water into the penstock. As water is higher in elevation than the penstock, gravity causes it to flow downwards, creating a pressure difference that allows the water to enter the penstock. This gravitational force is essential for the functioning of hydroelectric power plants, as it enables the movement of water through the system, ultimately driving the turbines and generating electricity.

Turbines are the components of a plant that convert the kinetic energy of a moving fluid (such as water, steam, or gas) into mechanical energy. In the context of a power plant, turbines are used to generate electricity by rotating a generator. The rotating motion of the turbines is powered by the energy from the fluid, which is typically obtained from a water source or steam produced by burning fossil fuels. Therefore, turbines play a crucial role in powering and generating energy in a plant.

Hydroelectric energy is generated by harnessing the power of flowing or falling water. This form of renewable energy is not limited to specific geographical locations as water is available in abundance worldwide. Unlike other energy sources, hydroelectric power can be generated wherever there is a water source, such as rivers, dams, or oceans. This makes it a versatile and widely accessible form of energy. However, it is important to note that the construction of hydroelectric power plants does incur costs, and the availability of water is not constant everywhere, as it depends on factors like rainfall patterns and water sources.

Hydroelectric energy is a significant source of energy production in the Philippines, contributing 35% to the total available energy production. This indicates that a considerable portion of the country's energy needs are met through the utilization of hydroelectric power, which is generated by harnessing the energy from flowing or falling water. This high percentage suggests that the Philippines has invested in developing hydroelectric power plants and has recognized the importance of renewable energy sources in meeting its energy demands.