Tidal energy is a renewable resource of energy. It’s environmentally friendly. Tidal currents are generated by the tides and are affected by the moon. Tide is converted into useful forms of power, mainly electricity using various tidal or tidal energy methods.
The Earth’s oceanic tides are the source of tidal energy. The periodic movement of water in a horizontal direction due to astronomical causes of the tide is known as a tidal stream. Tidal stream generators draw energy from water currents, similarly to wind turbines drawing energy from air currents.
Read more: Tidal energy.
Uses of tidal energy
- Tidal energy is used to generate electricity.
- Tidal energy is also used to store energy in hydroelectric dams.
- Tidal energy was also a source to grind mills in the early days.
Advantages of tidal energy
- Tidal energy is a renewable energy source since it can replenish and is inexhaustible.
- Tidal power is an environment-friendly green energy source.
- Tidal currents or waves are highly predictable.
- Electricity can be produced using tidal energy even at low speeds since the density of water is higher than air.
- Operational and maintenance costs are low.
Disadvantages of tidal energy
- Construction costs are high for tidal power plants.
- It has a negative influence on marine life forms.
- It cannot be constructed in all places.
- The intensity of sea waves is variable.
Important Tidal Energy Questions with Answers
1. _____ is a machine that takes energy from a flow of fluid.
- Generator
- Stream
- Turbine
- barrage
Answer: c) Turbine
Explanation: Turbines are placed in tidal streams to generate electricity.
2. Choose the correct answer: Tidal energy is a _____ form of energy.
- Renewable
- b) Non-renewable
Answer: a) Renewable
Explanation: Tidal energy is a renewable form of energy that is inexhaustible.
3. The intensity of sea waves are _____
- Always zero
- Constant
- Variable
- Always increasing
Answer: c) Variable
Explanation: The intensity of sea waves are variable. Sometimes waves are of high intensity and sometimes low.
4. The rise and fall of sea levels are caused by the
- The gravitational force of the Sun
- The gravitational force of the Moon
- Rotation of the Earth
- All the above options
Answer: d) All the above options
Explanation: The gravitational force of the Sun, moon, and rotation of the Earth cause the rise and fall of sea levels.
5. A tidal generator converts the energy of tidal flows into _____
- Solar energy
- Electricity
- Chemicals
- Wind
Answer: b) Electricity
Explanation: A tidal generator converts the energy of tidal flows into electricity.
6. Type of tidal energy generator which uses a large dam is known as _____
- Lagoon
- Tidal stream
- Barrage
- None of the options
Answer: c) Barrage
Explanation: A dam-like structure constructed across a bay is known as a tidal barrage.
7. Tidal energy is also known as _____
- Tidal force
- Tidal power
- Tidal water
- Tidal resource
Answer: b) Tidal power
Explanation: tidal energy is also known as tidal power.
8. State true or false: During the rise and fall of tides, tidal energy is generated.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Answer: a) TRUE
9. Choose YES or NO: Tidal energy is affected by the different phases of the moon.
- YES
- NO
Answer: a) YES
Explanation: Tidal energy is affected by the tides and different phases of the moon.
10. When the Earth and Moon’s gravitational field is in a straight line, the influences of these two fields become ______
- Zero
- Less
- Strong
- Remains the same
Answer: c) Strong
Explanation: When the Earth and Moon’s gravitational field is in a straight line, the field-effect becomes strong, and millions of gallons of water flow towards the shore resulting in the high tide condition.
Practice Questions
- What are tides?
- What is tidal energy?
- What are the various ways in which tidal power can be harnessed?
- What is a tidal stream generator?
- What is a renewable resource?
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