Harnessing the Power of Ocean Waves
1. “Water is currently the leading renewable energy source used by electric utilities to
generate electric power.â€
Energy Information Administration (EIA)
2. A predominant source of hydroelectric power is moving water-the water that runs in rivers, streams, and other waterways. The moving water turns turbines, which can resemble large propellers or fan blades. As a turbine spins, an axle at its center also spins. Machines then use this constant spinning motion to convert the energy of the moving water into electricity. On a larger scale, the world's oceans are also moving-in currents throughout these vast bodies of water, and as waves along hundreds of thousands of miles of coastline. As with land-based waterways, the power of ocean waves could be used to produce electricity. Currently, the technology exists to meet a significant portion of the world's energy demands by converting wave power to electricity.
Methods for Capturing Wave Power
3. There are several types of devices used to capture ocean wave power, such as point absorbers, terminators (also called oscillating water columns'), and attenuators? (see Table 1). Additionally, there are several methods and locations of deployment for these devices, including fixed and floating, and onshore, near shore, and offshore. Together, the wave-capturing device, the deployment method, and the deployment location determine the amount of energy captured and available for conversion into electricity. See Table 1 for examples of wave-capturing devices, deployment methods, and deployment locations.
Advantages and Disadvantages
4. As with any technology that converts our world's resources to energy, there are advantages and disadvantages to using ocean wave power. Supporters of the technology point to a critical advantage-ocean wave power does not release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, if ocean wave power provides a portion of the electricity currently being met by fossil fuel power, then fewer fossil fuels will be burned and, in turn, fewer heat-trapping gases will be released. Thus, ocean wave power can lead to a reduction in heat-trapping gases accumulating in the atmosphere. Proponents of using ocean waves to generate power cite another advantage: the technology does not use or waste water, but merely displaces it.
5. These arguments are countered by opponents of ocean wave power, who contend that disadvantages of using waves to generate electricity are more numerous than the advantages. They argue that the technology is likely to disrupt marine ecosystems and introduce pollutants into marine waters. Specifically, energy collection and conversion devices may disrupt migratory patterns, expose marine animals to risk of entanglement in the equipment, and repel or attract species to such a degree that ecosystems are thrown out of balance. Adversaries of the technology do not limit their argument to the environmental impact of ocean wave technology. Instead, they claim that deploying ocean wave devices could also disrupt the relationships that people have with the oceans by ruining their views of the seaside.
6. Whether one is a proponent or opponent of harnessing the ocean's wave power for our own use, it is clear that there are benefits and pitfalls to the technology. Advocates of ocean wave power argue that cleaner energy production is worth the risk of disrupting marine habitats. But people who challenge the use of ocean wave power counter that any risk to our fragile ecosystems is too much of a risk.
What is the main idea of this article?
- A. Equipment used to create power from ocean wave energy has become increasingly efficient.
- B. Increased utilization of ocean wave power could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- C. Ocean wave technology has great potential and also some disadvantages.
- D. Ocean waves may be beneficial and capturing their power has proven to preserve marine ecosystems.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The main idea encompasses both the potential and the drawbacks of ocean wave technology, highlighting a balanced view of its implications. Option A focuses solely on efficiency, missing the broader context of benefits and challenges. Option B emphasizes reducing fossil fuel reliance, which is a benefit but not the overarching theme. Option D discusses environmental benefits but overlooks the associated disadvantages. In contrast, option C effectively captures the complexity of ocean wave technology, acknowledging its promise while also recognizing the potential downsides.
The main idea encompasses both the potential and the drawbacks of ocean wave technology, highlighting a balanced view of its implications. Option A focuses solely on efficiency, missing the broader context of benefits and challenges. Option B emphasizes reducing fossil fuel reliance, which is a benefit but not the overarching theme. Option D discusses environmental benefits but overlooks the associated disadvantages. In contrast, option C effectively captures the complexity of ocean wave technology, acknowledging its promise while also recognizing the potential downsides.
Other Related Questions
In paragraph 5 the author states that opponents of wave technology 'claim that deploying ocean wave devices could also disrupt the relationships that people have with the oceans...' To what extent is this claim supported?
- A. It is unsupported because the author follows the claim with subjective information.
- B. It is unsupported because the author follows the claim with a counterexample that disproves it.
- C. It is well supported because the author follows it with facts and objective evidence.
- D. It is well supported because the author follows it with scientific data that furthers the claim.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The claim about ocean wave devices disrupting relationships is unsupported, as the author follows it with subjective information rather than objective evidence. Option B is incorrect; there is no counterexample provided that disproves the claim. Option C is also wrong, as the author does not present factual or objective evidence to bolster the assertion. Option D misinterprets the text by suggesting that scientific data supports the claim, while in reality, the subsequent information lacks the necessary objectivity to substantiate it effectively.
The claim about ocean wave devices disrupting relationships is unsupported, as the author follows it with subjective information rather than objective evidence. Option B is incorrect; there is no counterexample provided that disproves the claim. Option C is also wrong, as the author does not present factual or objective evidence to bolster the assertion. Option D misinterprets the text by suggesting that scientific data supports the claim, while in reality, the subsequent information lacks the necessary objectivity to substantiate it effectively.
Based on details in paragraph 9, which generalization can be made about Brannick's Superstore?
- A. Brannick's is concealing its frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission.
- B. Brannick's is considering adapting construction plans for other superstores.
- C. Brannick's is concerned that its new superstore will hurt future profits.
- D. Brannick's is concerned about the way consumers perceive the company.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Brannick's Superstore expresses concern about consumer perception, as indicated in paragraph 9, highlighting the importance of public image for business success. Option A suggests that Brannick's is hiding frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission, which is not supported by the text, as it focuses on consumer perception rather than zoning issues. Option B implies that Brannick's is contemplating changes for other superstores, a notion not mentioned in the paragraph. Option C suggests a direct concern about future profits, which is not the primary focus; instead, the emphasis is on how the new superstore is viewed by consumers.
Brannick's Superstore expresses concern about consumer perception, as indicated in paragraph 9, highlighting the importance of public image for business success. Option A suggests that Brannick's is hiding frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission, which is not supported by the text, as it focuses on consumer perception rather than zoning issues. Option B implies that Brannick's is contemplating changes for other superstores, a notion not mentioned in the paragraph. Option C suggests a direct concern about future profits, which is not the primary focus; instead, the emphasis is on how the new superstore is viewed by consumers.
According to details in both the speech and the blog, which right was not granted for more than a century?
- A. women's right to receive a formal education
- B. women's right to practice law nationwide
- C. women's right to equal protection under the law
- D. women's right to own property in their own name
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The right to equal protection under the law was not granted to women for over a century, as it was only recognized with the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and further solidified through various court rulings. Option A is incorrect because women began receiving formal education in the 19th century, although access was limited. Option B is also wrong; women could practice law in some states earlier than the 20th century, although it varied widely. Option D is misleading, as some women could own property in their own name through state laws, though restrictions existed. Thus, equal protection remained the most significant right denied for the longest duration.
The right to equal protection under the law was not granted to women for over a century, as it was only recognized with the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and further solidified through various court rulings. Option A is incorrect because women began receiving formal education in the 19th century, although access was limited. Option B is also wrong; women could practice law in some states earlier than the 20th century, although it varied widely. Option D is misleading, as some women could own property in their own name through state laws, though restrictions existed. Thus, equal protection remained the most significant right denied for the longest duration.
According to paragraphs 1 and 2 of 'The Letter of the Law,' Lilly Ledbetter worked for Goodyear for nearly 20 years; however, conflict arose in 1998 when Ledbetter was nearing retirement. What can the reader infer from the information in these paragraphs?
- A. Women at Goodyear received fewer promotions than men.
- B. Male supervisors were indifferent about the salaries paid to the female supervisors.
- C. Company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law.
- D. Female employees performed less strenuous tasks than their male counterparts
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.