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SEA POWER | |
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The power of the tide can be seen in this photograph. It shows people running for their lives from a powerful tidal wave which has crashed over a coastal/river wall (China 2000). If tidal power can be harnessed electricity can be produced in large quantities. |
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The Earth is covered mainly by water. The seas as we
call them, have currents and tides that circulate round the world. This
vast amount of moving water produces immense amounts of energy.
Countries like Britain that are surrounded by powerful seas and oceans
are ideally placed to convert the energy of tides, sea currents and
waves to produce electrical energy. |
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TIDAL POWER | |
The incoming and outgoing tides of the sea can be harnessed to produce electrical power. Tides are often very powerful and the sea can move very quickly when the tide is coming into land. When the tide approaches land the amount of water rushing forwards can be measured in terms of millions of gallons. This is an immense force of moving water. |
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THE TURBINE | |
The animation below shows an enlarged view of a typical turbine. The water rushes over the turbine blades and they turn rapidly producing electricity. The turbine rotates when the tide is coming in and going out. It is a two way turbine, ideal for tidal energy. | |
QUESTION: 1. Draw a simple diagram to help explain how the tide can be used to generate electricity. |
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