Water Energy
Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.3.5
Water (Hydroelectric Power)
Water high above the ground is a store of gravitational potential energy. Hydroelectric dams trap water. Allowing it to fall rotates a turbine, which turns a generator.
Advantages
- Renewable.
- More reliable than wind and solar.
- Capable of producing lots of energy.
Disadvantages
- Hydroelectric dams often change the paths of rivers, which can move people out of houses and harm local wildlife.
- Can be affected by droughts and variation in water flow over time.
- There are fewer and fewer suitable places to build a dam.
Test yourself on Water Energy
Which of the following is an advantage of hydroelectric power?