The bottom of a dam is made thicker than the top of the dam. The necessity of having a thick bottom is due to the presence of 

  1. the volume of the water behind the dam
  2. the depth of the water behind the dam
  3. the altitude of the body of water behind the dam
  4. all of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : the depth of the water behind the dam
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The correct answer is option 2) i.e. ​the depth of the water behind the dam

CONCEPT:

  • Pressure: Pressure is the perpendicular force (F) acting per unit area (A). It is given by

Pressure, \(P = \frac{F}{A}\)

  • The SI unit pf pressure is the pascal (Pa).
  • In fluids, the pressure is related to the density ρ of the fluid as

\(P = \frac{F}{A} = \frac{mg}{A} \times \frac{h}{h} = \frac{m}{V} gh = ρ gh\)

Where h is the height of the fluid column and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

EXPLANATION:

  • The pressure applied to the walls of the dam is dependent on the amount of water that is present over the point of the wall.
  • Since pressure P ∝ h, the pressure experienced will be more at the bottom of the dam.
  • Hence, in order to withstand this pressure, the bottom of the dam is made thicker.
  • Therefore, the depth of the water is the reason why dams are made thicker at the bottom.
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