Question

The Hoover Dam in Nevada, supplied by Lake Mead, generates hydroelectric power for several western states, including the numerous lights in Las Vegas. What statement accurately explains the potential energy that Hoover Dam uses to generate this power? A) The large number of generators and height of the dam account for the potential energy. B) The depth of Lake Mead and the large number of generators account for the potential energy. C) The amount of water released through the dam and the dam's height account for the potential energy. D) The quantity of water flowing into Lake Mead from the Colorado River accounts for the potential energy. Submit

Answer 1

C) The amount of water released through the dam and the dam's height account for the potential energy

Step-by-step explanation:

The gravitational potential energy of an object is given by:

`U=mgh`

where

m is the mass of the object

g is the acceleration of gravity

h is the height of the object relative to the ground

As we see from the equation, the potential energy depends on two factors related to the object:

- its mass

- its height above the ground

So for the water in the dam, its potential energy depends on

- the mass of the water (= the amount of water released)

- the height of the water (= the dam's height)

So the correct answer is

C) The amount of water released through the dam and the dam's height account for the potential energy