Types of Hydroelectric Dams: Learn About Gravity and Arch Dams

Question 1

What is the primary function of a gravity dam?

Accepted Answer

Withstanding water pressure through its mass

Answer

Controlling floods

Answer

Transferring water pressure to the bedrock foundation

Answer

Storing water in a reservoir

Question 2

Which type of dam relies mainly on its own weight to stay stable?

Accepted Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Answer

Embankment Dam

Question 3

Arch dams are best suited for which type of valley?

Accepted Answer

Narrow, V-shaped valleys

Answer

Flat, open plains

Answer

Wide, U-shaped valleys

Answer

Coastal areas with high tides

Question 4

Arch dams are known for their:

Accepted Answer

Curved shape that transfers load to surrounding rock

Answer

Lightweight construction using reinforced concrete

Answer

Rectangular shape for stability

Answer

Use of interlocking blocks for strength

Question 5

Which of these is a major advantage of gravity dams over arch dams?

Accepted Answer

They can be built in a wider variety of valley shapes

Answer

They are better for fish migration

Answer

They are more resistant to earthquakes

Answer

They require less concrete to build

Question 6

The Hoover Dam is a famous example of a:

Accepted Answer

Gravity Arch Dam

Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Question 7

What is the main purpose of a spillway in a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

To release excess water to prevent dam failure

Answer

To generate electricity

Answer

To provide a passage for fish migration

Answer

To control the flow of water through turbines

Question 8

How does the design of an arch dam contribute to its stability?

Accepted Answer

Its curved shape transfers load to the surrounding rock, reducing pressure on the dam.

Answer

The arch shape is more aerodynamic, reducing wind impact.

Answer

The arch design creates a larger reservoir, distributing pressure more evenly.

Answer

The arch shape allows for easier water flow through the dam.

Question 9

What is a potential environmental impact of building a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

Habitat disruption and fragmentation for aquatic life

Answer

Increased greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Depletion of fossil fuel reserves

Answer

Increased air pollution due to dam construction

Question 10

Which type of dam is built with thick walls relying mainly on its own weight for stability and is often used in valleys with solid bedrock?

Accepted Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Answer

Embankment Dam

Question 11

Arch dams are known for their:

Accepted Answer

Curved shape that transfers load to the surrounding rock

Answer

Lightweight construction using steel reinforcement

Answer

Use of concrete blocks to form a sturdy structure

Answer

Rectangular shape that creates a large reservoir

Question 12

Which of these is NOT a typical application of gravity dams?

Accepted Answer

Generating hydroelectric power in narrow canyons

Answer

Providing water for irrigation

Answer

Creating reservoirs for recreational activities

Answer

Controlling floodwaters

Question 13

A hydroelectric dam is constructed across a narrow gorge with steep rock walls on either side. Which type of dam would be most suitable for this location?

Accepted Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Answer

Embankment Dam

Question 14

What is the primary function of the spillway in a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

To safely release excess water during high flow periods

Answer

To direct water to the turbines for power generation

Answer

To control the water level in the reservoir

Question 15

Why are arch dams often preferred over gravity dams in mountainous regions?

Accepted Answer

They require less concrete and are better suited to narrow canyons

Answer

They create larger reservoirs for water storage

Answer

They are more resistant to earthquakes

Question 16

Which of the following factors is MOST important when considering the environmental impact of a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

The disruption of natural river flow and ecosystems

Answer

The cost of construction and maintenance

Answer

The efficiency of power generation

Question 17

What is the main difference between a gravity dam and an arch dam in terms of their load-bearing mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Gravity dams rely on their weight for stability, while arch dams transfer load to the surrounding rock.

Answer

Gravity dams are built with concrete blocks, while arch dams use reinforced concrete.

Question 18

Which type of dam relies on its own weight for stability, typically built with thick concrete walls?

Accepted Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Question 19

Arch dams are known for their:

Accepted Answer

Curved shape that transfers load to the surrounding rock

Answer

Use of earth and rockfill materials

Answer

Massive concrete walls that resist water pressure

Question 20

A hydroelectric dam's primary function is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a reservoir and generate electricity

Answer

Prevent flooding in downstream areas

Answer

Provide a source of drinking water

Answer

Control water flow for irrigation

Question 21

Which of these factors is NOT a major consideration in choosing the appropriate type of dam for a specific site?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the electricity generated

Answer

The available water flow

Answer

The height difference between the reservoir and the power station

Answer

The geological conditions of the site

Question 22

In a gravity dam, the pressure exerted by the water is primarily resisted by:

Accepted Answer

The weight of the dam itself

Answer

The force of the water flow

Answer

The tension in the dam's concrete

Answer

The strength of the foundation

Question 23

A major advantage of arch dams compared to gravity dams is:

Accepted Answer

They require less material for construction

Answer

They are easier to maintain

Answer

They can be built in areas with weaker foundations

Answer

They are more resistant to earthquakes

Question 24

Which type of dam is best suited for narrow valleys with strong rock formations?

Accepted Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Embankment Dam

Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Question 25

The construction of a hydroelectric dam can have environmental impacts such as:

Accepted Answer

Habitat disruption and sediment accumulation downstream

Answer

Increased greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Depletion of fossil fuels

Question 26

What is the primary source of energy used to power a hydroelectric power station?

Accepted Answer

Potential energy of water stored in the reservoir

Answer

Thermal energy from the environment

Answer

Kinetic energy of water flowing through turbines

Question 27

A gravity dam is most suitable for:

Accepted Answer

Wide valleys with strong foundations

Answer

Regions with limited water flow

Answer

Narrow valleys with weak foundations

Answer

Areas with high seismic activity