Final answer:
The primary function of the Hoover Dam is electricity generation, with additional roles in flood control, irrigation, and water supply management for the Southwestern United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary function of the Hoover Dam is electricity generation. It achieves this by harnessing the potential energy of water from Lake Mead, converting it into electrical energy as the water descends through turbines within the dam. The dam is a marvel of modern engineering, standing at a height of 221 meters and holding back the Colorado River to create Lake Mead, the United States' largest reservoir by volume. It was constructed between 1931 and 1935 and at the time of its completion, it was the world's largest hydroelectric installation.
In addition to power generation, Hoover Dam serves several other important functions, including flood control, irrigation, and water supply for millions of people and acres of agricultural land across various Southwestern U.S. states. The dam's construction also facilitated navigation on the Colorado River by creating a more predictable flow and reservoir. However, as implicated by the facilities' design and output capacities, electricity generation is the leading purpose of the Hoover Dam.