Re: Researchers have developed a technology that uses sound as a
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22 Apr 2024, 14:32
Passage Analysis
Researchers have developed a technology that uses sound as a means of converting heat into electrical energy.
Scientists have developed a new technology.
It uses sound to change heat into electricity.
Converters based on this technology can be manufactured small enough to be integrated into consumer electronics, where they will absorb significant quantities of heat.
Converters using this technology can be made in small sizes such that they can be a part of daily life electronic equipment.
In such equipment, the converters will take in a good amount of heat.
A group of engineers is now designing converters to be sold to laptop computer manufacturers,
One group of engineers are currently designing converters to be sold to makers of laptops.
who are expected to use the electrical output of the converters to conserve battery power in their computers.
Makers of laptops are expected to use the converter-made electricity to save battery power in their computers.
Question Stem Analysis
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest evidence that the engineers' plan will be commercially successful for their group?
The conclusion is that the Engineers’ plan will be commercially successful for the group.
The question stem states it and asks for a strengthener.
Prethinking
Strengthener framework
What new information will make us feel more confident that the Engineers’ plan will be commercially successful for the group.?
Given that
Researchers have developed a technology that uses sound as a means of converting heat into electrical energy.
Converters based on this technology can be manufactured small enough to be integrated into consumer electronics, where they will absorb significant quantities of heat.
A group of engineers is now designing converters to be sold to laptop computer manufacturers, who are expected to use the electrical output of the converters to conserve battery power in their computers
.
Strengthener 1- Heating is a significant problem for laptop manufacturers (significant enough that they are ready to pay well for a good solution) and the converter can help resolve this problem.
Strengthener 2-The converter can be customized easily to the requirements of each laptop manufacturer. This indicates that the converter can be easily sold to various laptop manufacturers. This increases belief in the notion that the plan will be commercially successful.
Answer Choice Analysis
A) The sound that is used by the converters is generated by the converters themselves.
INCORRECT
What the source of sound is has no relevance in determining whether the plan will be a commercial success amongst laptop manufacturers. How sound being generated on its own (by the converters) will help laptop manufacturers is not mentioned. Hence this choice has no clear impact.
B) Most laptop computer manufacturers today receive fewer complaints than in previous years regarding shortness of operating time on a single battery charge.
INCORRECT
This is a weakener since it says most laptop manufacturers receive fewer complaints than before regarding battery charge. If the problem has gone down, then the incentive of saving battery charge or recharging it from the converter goes down.
C) The overheating of microprocessors in laptop computers presents a major technological challenge that manufacturers are prepared to meet at significant expense.
CORRECT
This option says that the converter acts as a solution for a major problem faced by laptop manufacturers, who were ready to spend a lot on solving it. The option tells us that the group likely will receive a good amount for making the solution of the major problem. Hence it is a strengthener.
D) Although battery technology has improved significantly, the average capacity of laptop computer batteries has not.
INCORRECT
This option says that the average battery capacity of laptops has not improved. This option only indicates that the converter will be useful to the laptop manufacturers as a means of conserving power. This option is irrelevant in deciding whether plan will be a commercial success.
E) Electrical power generated by the converters can be used to power the fans installed to cool computers' components.
INCORRECT
If the converters are used to power the fans, then the system will be cooled. Then the converter will not have heat to convert to electricity. This option makes one doubt the usefulness of the converter. Hence this option is not correct.