Tidal
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Tidal is an energy resource which uses tides to generate electricity.
About Tidal
- Tidal is a renewable energy resource.
- Tidal has energy in the gravitational potential energy store of water that is being pulled by the moons gravitational pull.
- Tides happen twice a day. Once when the The Moon is directly overhead and once when the The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth.
Power
 |
- 1. As the tide changes water passes through the pipes in the tidal barrage.
- 2. The water causes turbines to turn.
- 3. The turbines spin a generator which makes electricity.
Advantages
- Do not produce pollution.
- Very reliable (high tide occurs twice a day).
- No fuel costs.
- Power output can be varied by opening and closing sluice gates to control the water flow.
Disadvantages
- Cost to build is quite high.
- Prevent access to boats.
- Tidal height varies throughout the year.
- Damages habitats by not allowing the natural flow of the tides.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Tidal is an energy resource which uses tides to generate electricity.
About Tidal
- Tidal is a renewable energy resource.
- Tidal has energy in the gravitational potential energy store of water that is being pulled by the moons gravitational pull.
- Tides happen twice a day. Once when the The Moon is directly overhead and once when the The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth.
Power
|
- 1. As the tide changes water passes through the pipes in the tidal barrage.
- 2. The water causes turbines to turn.
- 3. The turbines spin a generator which makes electricity.
Advantages
- Do not produce pollution.
- Very reliable (high tide occurs twice a day).
- No fuel costs.
- Power output can be varied by opening and closing sluice gates to control the water flow.
Disadvantages
- Cost to build is quite high.
- Prevent access to boats.
- Tidal height varies throughout the year.
- Damages habitats by not allowing the natural flow of the tides.
References
AQA
- Tidal energy, page 23, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
- Tidal energy, page 278, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA
- Tidal power, page 39, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Tidal power, pages 32-3, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA