Describe how hydro-energy can be converted into electrical energy. Write any two limitations of hydro-energy.

• Hydroelectric power plants are special power plants designed to convert the potential energy of falling water into electricity.


• In these plants, dams are constructed on heights on the river to stop the flow of water.


• This helps in the collection of water in larger reservoirs.


• As the water level rises the kinetic energy of flowing water gets transformed into potential energy (stored at a height).


• The water from the high level in the dam is carried through pipes, to turbines present at the bottom of the dam.


• This rotates the turbines and this in turn products electricity.


Limitations:


• These kinds of dams cannot be constructed everywhere and can be constructed only in hilly areas.


• Large areas of human habitation and agricultural lands are destroyed in the process.


• Large scale deforestation occurs.


Large eco-systems are destroyed when submerged under the water in dams.


The trees which get submerged inside the water rot under anaerobic conditions and give rise to large amounts of methane which is a green-house gas.


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