Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 12 - Think and Explain - Page 242-243: 57

Answer

The design on the left is better.

Work Step by Step

The pressure of the lake water against the dam compresses the components of the dam and holds them together. This is analogous to the compression on an arch. This is discussed on page 234.
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