Tidal Energy
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 1.11.6
Tidal Energy
The waves and tides in the sea are stores of kinetic energy. Tidal and wave power use this kinetic energy to rotate a turbine, which turns a generator.
Advantages
- Renewable source of energy.
Disadvantages
- The creation of tidal turbines can damage fragile ecosystems in estuaries.
Tides
- Tides are caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the Moon, with a smaller effect from the Sun.
- The rise and fall of the tides store kinetic energy.
Test yourself on Tidal Energy
Which one of the following is an advantage of tidal power?