Question

Removing the tops of hills can reduce the likelihood of landslides because it:

a) Increases the weight on the hills
b) Decreases the gravitational force acting on the hills
c) Reduces the potential energy of the hills
d) Increases the friction between the hills and the ground

Answer 1

Removing hilltops lowers their potential energy, making landslides less likely. Engineering and proper land management play crucial roles in preventing landslides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Removing the tops of hills can reduce the likelihood of landslides because it reduces the potential energy of the hills. This is because potential energy is directly related to an object's height, and by lowering the height of the hill, the potential energy decreases, resulting in less energy available to drive a landslide. It is important to note that proper land-use management and engineering practices are essential for landslide prevention, as is the preservation of vegetation that can help stabilize the soil on hillsides.