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?
dam C: fall height of 135 feet
dam B: fall height of 75 feet
dam A: fall height of 175 feet
dam D: fall height of 100 feet
The hydroelectric power generated by a dam is directly proportional to the product of the water flow rate (volume of water flow) and the fall height (height from which the water falls). Therefore, to determine which dam would provide the most hydroelectric power, we need to consider both factors.
Let's assume that the volume of water flow is the same for all four rivers.
Comparing the fall heights:
- dam A: fall height of 175 feet
- dam C: fall height of 135 feet
- dam D: fall height of 100 feet
- dam B: fall height of 75 feet
Since all other factors are the same, the dam with the highest fall height will produce the highest hydroelectric power.
Therefore, dam A with a fall height of 175 feet would provide the most hydroelectric power.