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 D: fall height of 100 feet
dam D: fall height of 100 feet

dam A: fall height of 175 feet
dam A: fall height of 175 feet

dam C: fall height of 135 feet
dam C: fall height of 135 feet

dam B: fall height of 75 feet

1 answer

The amount of hydroelectric power generated by a dam is directly related to both the volume of water flow and the height from which the water falls. The power can be calculated using the formula:

\[ \text{Power} = \text{Flow Rate} \times \text{Gravity} \times \text{Fall Height} \]

Since all four dams have the same volume of water flow, the key factor in determining which one would provide the most hydroelectric power is the fall height.

Let's compare the fall heights of each dam:

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

The dam with the highest fall height is Dam A at 175 feet. Therefore, Dam A would provide the most hydroelectric power among the options given.