Practice AP Environmental Science questions on dams, reservoirs, river turbines, tidal energy, water flow, and hydroelectric generation.
A homeowner in the Northern Hemisphere is considering installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the home to help provide electricity for the home. The homeowner has read conflicting reports on which compass direction the panels should face to maximize the amount of electricity (in kWh) that the panels can produce.
The diagram below shows another way of generating electricity using a renewable resource. The arrows indicate the flow of water.
HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
Identify the location shown in the diagram where the kinetic energy of the water is transformed into mechanical energy.
Explain why the water in the storage reservoir has potential energy that is useful in hydroelectric power generation.
Explain how coupling hydroelectric power with solar or wind power is an advantage to providing a constant source of electricity to a community.