ICSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 8PHYSICSForce and Pressure2 Marks
Question
Explain why the wall of a dam is made thicker at the bottom.
✓
Answer
The wall of a dam is made thicker at the bottom because of the following reasons.
$1.$ A dam has a massive weight and thus, applies a large force on the ground. In order to reduce the pressure exerted by it on the ground, its area of contact with the ground is increased by making its base broad. So, a broad base supports the weight of the dam.
$2.$ Moreover, the pressure of water increases with depth. So, it is greater at the base than at the top. So, the lase is broad to withstand the huge pressure of the water.
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