Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of generating electricity (figure 1 in answer):
Figure 1 (AQA GCSE Science A Physics: Higher Tier):
The wind turbine costs £50 000 to buy and install.
The hydroelectric generator costs £20 000 to buy and install.
The average power output from the wind turbine is 10 kW.
The hydroelectric generator will produce a constant power output of 8 kW.
Answer:
The advantages of both sources of power are that they are both renewable sources of energy. Once constructed, the produced fuels will have a very small running cost, due to not requiring fuel, in turn producing no carbon dioxide.
The wind turbine will produce a higher average power output (10kW) but has a higher installation cost. While the 'average output power' is higher, this source of energy is limited by not being constant. Wind turbines can be noisy, produce visual pollution and be deadly to local birds.
In comparison, while producing a lower power output, the hydroelectric power is constant. Like the wind turbines, hydroelectric power may be noisy and also dangerous to fish.
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