AP Environmental Science Practice Quiz: Hydroelectric Power
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 14 questions to check your progress.
Question 1 of 14
All Questions (14)
A) It is the least expensive method of power generation.
B) It does not generate air pollution or waste.
C) The construction of dams enhances local fish habitats.
D) It can be implemented in any geographical location.
Correct Answer: B
The text explicitly states, 'Hydroelectric power does not generate air pollution or waste,' which is a significant environmental advantage over fossil fuels.
A) A decrease in the efficiency of power generation over time.
B) The release of greenhouse gases during operation.
C) A loss of or change in local habitats.
D) The production of non-biodegradable waste.
Correct Answer: C
The content specifies that a major drawback is that 'there may be a loss of or change in habitats following the construction of dams.'
A) Using geothermal vents to heat water.
B) Placing turbines in small rivers to be spun by the current.
C) Burning biomass from nearby forests.
D) Capturing wind energy over the surface of a lake.
Correct Answer: B
The text describes an alternative to large dams: hydroelectric power can be generated 'by turbines placed in small rivers, where the flowing water spins the turbine.'
A) The cost of fuel to run the turbines is very high.
B) They produce less electricity than other renewable sources.
C) The construction of the power plants can be expensive.
D) They require frequent and costly maintenance.
Correct Answer: C
The text directly states that 'construction of the power plants can be expensive,' identifying a key economic consideration.
A) It is an inexpensive but highly polluting energy source.
B) It is a clean energy source during operation but can be expensive and ecologically disruptive to build.
C) It is only effective in coastal regions and has minimal environmental impact.
D) It is less efficient than tidal energy but cheaper to construct.
Correct Answer: B
This option correctly combines the main points from the text: it does not generate pollution (clean), construction is expensive, and it can cause loss or change of habitats (ecologically disruptive).
A) By using the temperature difference in ocean currents.
B) By collecting water in a large coastal reservoir.
C) By using the energy from tidal flows to turn a turbine.
D) By capturing the solar energy reflected off the ocean surface.
Correct Answer: C
The text provides a clear definition: 'Tidal energy uses the energy produced by tidal flows to turn a turbine.'
A) Air pollution and high fuel costs.
B) Waste generation and inefficient power output.
C) High construction costs and potential habitat loss.
D) Interference with tidal flows and expensive maintenance.
Correct Answer: C
The text identifies two primary drawbacks of hydroelectric power: 'construction of the power plants can be expensive, and there may be a loss of or change in habitats.'
A) Flowing water
B) Sunlight
C) Heated steam
D) Nuclear fission
Correct Answer: A
The text describes the process as using 'flowing water' from reservoirs or rivers, or 'tidal flows,' to spin a turbine, which is the core principle of hydroelectric generation.
A) The alteration of existing ecosystems due to dam construction.
B) The generation of power without producing air pollutants.
C) The depletion of a non-renewable water source.
D) Significant upfront capital investment for construction.
Correct Answer: C
The text mentions habitat alteration, lack of air pollution, and high construction costs. It does not mention the depletion of water as a non-renewable source; water in the hydrological cycle is considered renewable.
A) To filter the water before it generates power.
B) To collect water for power generation.
C) To cool the turbines after use.
D) To provide a source of tidal energy.
Correct Answer: B
The text states that 'dams collecting water in reservoirs' is a method of generating hydroelectric power, indicating the reservoir's function is to hold the water.
A) The project has a very high initial construction budget.
B) The plant is located on a small, flowing river.
C) The environmental impact statement mentions the creation of a large reservoir.
D) The plant's operational plan includes smokestacks for waste gas.
Correct Answer: D
The text explicitly states that hydroelectric power 'does not generate air pollution or waste.' Smokestacks are used to release waste gases, which would contradict this key feature of hydroelectricity.
A) Air quality during operation.
B) The initial cost of turbine installation.
C) Habitat loss from reservoir creation.
D) The generation of electricity from flowing water.
Correct Answer: C
A run-of-the-river system does not involve a large dam or the creation of a reservoir. Therefore, the 'loss of or change in habitats' associated with flooding a large area to create a reservoir would be significantly less, even though other impacts might exist.
A) River flows and ocean waves.
B) Geothermal springs and rainfall.
C) River flows and tidal flows.
D) Meltwater and ocean currents.
Correct Answer: C
The text describes hydroelectric power using water from dams on rivers or turbines in small rivers ('river flows') and separately defines tidal energy as using 'tidal flows' to turn a turbine.
A) Hydroelectric power is a flawless energy source with no downsides.
B) Tidal energy is the most common and inexpensive form of hydroelectric power.
C) Hydroelectric power is emission-free but carries financial and habitat-related costs.
D) The construction of hydroelectric plants is cheap, but they produce significant air pollution.
Correct Answer: C
This statement accurately summarizes the key points: it's clean ('does not generate air pollution'), but has high construction costs ('expensive') and negative ecological effects ('loss of or change in habitats').