Four rivers have the same volume of water flow over time but fall from different heights to power hydroelectric dams. Which dam would provide the most hydroelectric power?(1 point) Responses dam C: fall height of 135 feet dam C: fall height of 135 feet dam A: fall height of 175 feet dam A: fall height of 175 feet dam D: fall height of 100 feet dam D: fall height of 100 feet dam B: fall height of 75 feet

1 answer

To determine which dam would provide the most hydroelectric power, we need to consider the height from which the water falls, as gravitational potential energy is a key factor in generating hydroelectric power.

The formula for the potential energy (which translates into power generation when water falls) is given by:

\[ PE = mgh \]

Where:

  • \( PE \) is the potential energy,
  • \( m \) is the mass of the water,
  • \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (which is constant),
  • \( h \) is the height of the fall.

Since the volume of water flow is the same for each dam, the mass of the water will be proportional to the volume, and \( g \) is constant for all scenarios. Therefore, the potential energy is directly proportional to the height of the fall.

Now let's look at the heights for each dam:

  • Dam A: 175 feet
  • Dam B: 75 feet
  • Dam C: 135 feet
  • Dam D: 100 feet

Since Dam A has the greatest height of 175 feet, it will produce the most hydroelectric power.

The correct answer is: Dam A: fall height of 175 feet.