Which is an advantage of hydropower?
A. It gives off no air pollution
B. It has no environmental impact
C. It's environmental effects are predictable
D. It generates the most energy
A. It gives off no air pollution
A. It gives off no air pollution
The correct answer is A. It gives off no air pollution.
To confirm this answer, we can analyze each option systematically:
A. It gives off no air pollution - To determine if this is true, we can consider the nature of hydropower. Hydropower is generated by harnessing the energy from moving water, usually in the form of dams and reservoirs. Since there is no combustion involved in hydropower generation, it does not release harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide or air pollutants, making it a clean and environmentally friendly energy source.
B. It has no environmental impact - This statement is not entirely accurate. While hydropower is considered a renewable energy source, it still has some environmental impact. Building dams and reservoirs can require land acquisition and cause changes in ecosystems, such as altering river flows and impacting fish populations. Consequently, there can be environmental trade-offs associated with hydropower development.
C. Its environmental effects are predictable - This statement is partially true. Hydropower generation relies on consistent water flow, which can be somewhat predictable, especially in areas with well-managed water resources. However, weather patterns and climate change can influence water availability, which could affect hydropower generation and introduce some level of unpredictability.
D. It generates the most energy - This statement is not accurate. While hydropower is a significant source of renewable energy and accounts for a significant portion of global electricity production, it is not the most energy-generating source overall. There are other forms of energy generation, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), nuclear power, and emerging renewable sources, like solar and wind power, that can generate high amounts of energy.
Taking all this into consideration, the correct answer is A. It gives off no air pollution, as hydropower's lack of emissions is one of its key advantages in terms of environmental impact and sustainability.