Is hydropower a renewable or nonrenewable energy source? Explain why.

Hydropower is renewable because it uses the movement of water, which is not used up in the process.

How does gravity contribute to hydropower?

Gravity pulls water downwards, causing it to move and create energy that can be used to turn a turbine.

A penstock is a pipe that forces water to flow and turn the blades of a turbine.

Hydroelectric dams can control flooding and supply fresh water.

Grade 5th Grade · Science · 45 min

I can describe how hydropower uses moving water to create electricity.

LaFountaine of Knowledge · 2:43

What is Hydropower?

3 key concepts

1
Energy from moving water is called hydropower, which is a renewable and clean energy source.
2
A hydroelectric dam stops the flow of a river, forcing water through a pipe to turn a turbine that powers a generator to make electricity.
3
Building a dam can create a lake that changes the ecosystem, and the turbine blades can injure fish and disrupt their migration.

11 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“Explain how a hydroelectric dam uses moving water to create electricity.”

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