Question

Hydropower plants are more efficient at converting the energy in nature into electricity than other forms of electrical generation like coal, nuclear and natural gas plants. This is because:

A) Higher conversion efficiency
B) Lower environmental impact
C) Abundance of water resources
D) More advanced technology

Answer 1

Hydropower plants have a higher conversion efficiency compared to fossil fuel, nuclear, and natural gas plants because they directly convert gravitational potential energy of water into electricity with minimal energy losses, approaching 90% efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydropower plants are more efficient at converting the energy in nature into electricity than other forms of electrical generation like coal, nuclear, and natural gas plants primarily due to their higher conversion efficiency.

This efficiency is a result of the basic principle behind hydroelectricity, where the gravitational potential energy of water at a certain height is converted into kinetic energy as it flows or falls, which is then used to rotate turbines and generate electricity. The conversion process of hydropower, which can approach 90% efficiency, is more straightforward and incurs fewer energy losses compared to other energy sources.

Additionally, hydropower is considered a clean and renewable source of energy as it solely relies on the water cycle, driven by solar energy, to regenerate its source of power—water. Unlike fossil fuels, hydropower doesn't produce direct air pollutants or greenhouse gases.