Major Hydropower Projects: Explore the World's Largest Dams

Question 1

Identify the world's largest hydropower project based on its installed capacity:

Accepted Answer

Three Gorges Dam

Answer

Hoover Dam

Answer

Grand Coulee Dam

Answer

Itaipu Dam

Question 2

Which of these is NOT a major environmental impact of large hydropower dams?

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gas emissions during operation

Answer

Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss

Answer

Displacement of communities and cultural heritage

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a primary engineering design consideration in hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Environmental impact assessment

Answer

Turbine efficiency

Answer

Dam stability and safety

Answer

Water availability and flow rate

Question 4

In the engineering design of hydropower projects, which factor is of primary importance?

Accepted Answer

Geological characteristics of the project site

Answer

Availability of financial resources

Answer

Aesthetic appeal of the project

Question 5

Which of the following is a significant environmental concern associated with large-scale hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of fish migration and altered water flow, leading to reduced fish populations

Answer

Air pollution, as hydropower plants emit greenhouse gases during operation

Answer

Enhanced biodiversity, as hydropower projects create new habitats for certain species

Question 6

What is the most significant environmental concern associated with large hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Habitat disruption and loss of aquatic biodiversity

Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Air pollution

Question 7

Which type of turbine is predominantly used in large-scale hydropower projects due to its efficiency and versatility?

Accepted Answer

Francis turbine

Answer

Pelton turbine

Answer

Propeller turbine

Answer

Kaplan turbine

Question 8

What is the unique advantage of pumped-storage hydropower systems compared to conventional hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Ability to store and release energy as needed, providing grid flexibility

Answer

Higher efficiency

Answer

Lower construction costs

Answer

Reduced environmental impact

Question 9

Which country currently possesses the world's largest installed hydropower capacity, contributing significantly to its renewable energy production?

Accepted Answer

China

Answer

Russia

Answer

United States

Answer

Brazil

Question 10

What is the primary societal benefit of developing major hydropower projects, contributing to sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Clean and renewable energy production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Answer

Increased tourism revenue

Answer

Creation of new job opportunities

Answer

Improved water quality downstream

Question 11

What is the term used to describe the maximum volume of water that can pass through a hydroelectric dam, determining its power generation capacity?

Accepted Answer

Discharge capacity

Answer

Power output

Answer

Waterhead

Answer

Efficiency

Question 12

Which of the following is a key advantage of run-of-the-river hydropower projects, making them attractive for sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Minimal environmental impact due to minimal water storage and disruption

Answer

High energy output

Answer

Low construction costs

Answer

Ability to store energy for later use

Question 13

What is the primary function of a reservoir in a major hydropower project, enabling efficient energy production and management?

Accepted Answer

Storing water to regulate flow, generate electricity, and provide flood control

Answer

Providing recreational opportunities

Answer

Preventing soil erosion

Answer

Protecting aquatic ecosystems

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a major component of a hydropower project?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels

Answer

Turbine

Answer

Dam

Answer

Generator

Question 15

Which type of turbine is used in the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project?

Accepted Answer

Francis turbine

Answer

Cross-flow turbine

Answer

Kaplan turbine

Answer

Pelton turbine

Question 16

What is a key environmental benefit of hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Destruction of fish habitats

Answer

Increased water pollution

Answer

Increased soil erosion

Question 17

Which country currently has the highest installed hydropower capacity in the world?

Accepted Answer

China

Answer

United States

Answer

Brazil

Answer

India

Question 18

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered in the planning of a hydropower project?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Answer

Water availability

Answer

Geology of the site

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a pumped storage hydropower project?

Accepted Answer

Dinorwig Power Station in Wales

Answer

Hoover Dam

Answer

Three Gorges Dam

Question 20

Which hydroelectric power plant holds the distinction of having the world's largest installed capacity?

Accepted Answer

Three Gorges Dam in China

Answer

Grand Coulee Dam in the United States

Answer

Itaipu Dam on the border of Brazil and Paraguay

Answer

Hoover Dam in the United States

Question 21

What is the primary role of pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the electricity grid during periods of peak demand

Answer

Providing backup power in the event of grid outages

Answer

Reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants

Answer

Storing excess energy from renewable sources like wind and solar

Question 22

What is a crucial design consideration for arch dams commonly used in major hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Their ability to withstand the immense water pressure exerted on them

Answer

Their flexibility and adaptability to changing environmental conditions

Answer

Their capacity to regulate water flow and prevent flooding

Answer

Their aesthetic appeal and integration with the surrounding landscape

Question 23

In a hydroelectric power plant, what is the function of a penstock?

Accepted Answer

Conveying water from the reservoir to the turbine

Answer

Generating electricity through electromagnetic induction

Answer

Cooling the turbine and other components

Answer

Regulating the flow of water and preventing pressure surges