(a) What is hydroelectricity? Explain the basic principle of generation of hydroelectricity with the help of a labelled diagram.

(b) State two advantages of producing hydroelectricity.
(c) State two disadvantages of producing hydroelectricity.

(a) Hydroelectricity refers to the generation of electricity with the help of the kinetic energy of water.

Its working principle is the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, which comes after the conversion of the potential energy of water to kinetic energy and kinetic energy into mechanical energy.

At first, water is collected in a reservoir placed at a height behind the dam, so that potential energy gets stored in it. When the water flows down through this immense height, its potential energy gets converted into kinetic energy. The fast-flowing water falls on the turbine and rotates it which is connected to the generator through its shaft, and thus the kinetic energy gets converted into mechanical energy. Finally, the mechanical energy gets converted into electrical energy. Thus, the generator produces electricity.

(b) The two advantages of producing hydroelectricity are:

1. It does not cause any environmental pollution.

2. It is a renewable source of energy.

(c) The two disadvantage of producing hydroelectricity are:

1. Large areas of land are required for the construction, which affects the ecology of the surroundings.

2. It requires water in reservoirs and are dependent on rain for their functioning. 

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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