AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Hydroelectric Power
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Identify two major drawbacks associated with the construction of hydroelectric dams.
The construction of hydroelectric power plants can be very expensive, and it often results in the loss or alteration of habitats due to the creation of a dam and reservoir.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
Identify two major drawbacks associated with the construction of hydroelectric dams.
The construction of hydroelectric power plants can be very expensive, and it often results in the loss or alteration of habitats due to the creation of a dam and reservoir.
What is hydroelectric power?
Hydroelectric power is energy generated from the movement of water. This can be from water collected in reservoirs by dams or from the natural flow of rivers or tides turning a turbine.
What is the primary environmental impact that occurs after a dam is constructed?
Following the construction of a dam, there is a significant loss of or change in the surrounding habitats as the land is flooded to create a reservoir.
Besides environmental concerns, what is a major economic disadvantage of hydroelectric power?
A significant economic disadvantage is the high initial cost, as the construction of the power plants and associated dams can be very expensive.
A community wants to use its small, fast-flowing river for power but is concerned about habitat loss from flooding. Which hydroelectric method should it consider?
The community should consider placing turbines directly in the river, as this method uses the natural water flow to generate power without requiring a large dam and reservoir that would cause habitat loss.
What is a primary environmental benefit of using hydroelectric power?
A major environmental benefit is that hydroelectric power generation does not produce air pollution or waste during its operation.
How does hydroelectric power compare to fossil fuels in terms of operational byproducts?
Unlike fossil fuels, which release air pollution and waste, hydroelectric power does not generate these harmful byproducts during operation.
What is tidal energy?
Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that harnesses the energy produced by the natural flow of tides to turn a turbine and generate electricity.
What is the core mechanism shared by all forms of hydroelectric and tidal power generation?
The core mechanism is the use of moving water, whether from a river or tidal flows, to spin the blades of a turbine, which in turn generates electricity.
Describe the two main methods of generating hydroelectric power mentioned.
One method uses dams to collect water in reservoirs, which is then released to spin a turbine. The other method places turbines directly in small rivers, where the natural flow of water spins the turbine.