Dams at two different locations are needed to form a lake.When the lake is filled,the water level will be at the top of both dams.Dam #2 is twice as high and three as wide as Dam #1.How much greater is the force of the water on Dam #2 than the force on Dam #1? (Ignore atmospheric pressure;it is pushing on both sides of the dams. )
A) 24
B) 12
C) 6
D) 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force of the water on a dam is directly proportional to the area of the dam facing the water. Since Dam #2 is three times as wide as Dam #1, its area facing the water is three times greater. Additionally, Dam #2 is twice as high as Dam #1, so its area facing the water is also twice as great. Therefore, the force of the water on Dam #2 is six times greater than the force on Dam #1 (3 x 2 = 6). However, the question only asks for the difference in forces between the two dams, so the answer is simply the additional force on Dam #2, which is 6 times greater than the force on Dam #1. Therefore, the answer is B) 12.

Dams at Two Different Locations Are Needed to Form a Lake.When