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Why are dams built thicker at the bottom than at the top?
ALiquid pressure is greater at the bottom
BFor aesthetic reasons
CTo hide pipes in standard practice
DTo allow more water in
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Liquid pressure is greater at the bottom
1. Liquid pressure P = h*rho*g grows with depth.
2. At the bottom of a dam the water depth is greatest.
3. So the wall must resist much higher pressure there.
4. A thicker base provides the needed strength.
5. So dams are built thicker at the base.
_Source: Selina Concise Physics ICSE Class 8, Ch 3 'Force and Pressure'_
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