Ground-source, or geothermal, cooling and heating is a green energy al

Question

Ground-source, or geothermal, cooling and heating is a green energy alternative with a variety of advantages. Geothermal heating works because a few feet below the surface of the Earth, the ground is warmer than the air above the surface of the Earth. By transporting that warmth to the surface, you may heat or cool a building.

The system uses two main components—the loop of underground pipes, which may be laid horizontally or vertically, and the heat pump inside the building to which those pipes connect. In cold weather, the ground loop circulates water or another liquid, which absorbs the heat from the Earth and transports it to the heat pump. That pump then extracts the heat from the liquid and distributes it as warm air throughout the building. With its heat removed, the water moves back through the pipes into the ground and circulates through again. In warm weather, the process is reversed—the heat pump removes heat from the hot air and transports it through the ground loop into the Earth, leaving cool air to be distributed through the house.

The system is energy efficient and environmentally clean. The cost comes with the installation of the system—it is difficult to retrofit but cost effective when it is used for new construction. There are additional costs that cannot be overlooked. Running a heat pump takes energy in the form of electricity. Some people who retrofit an oil or gas system to geothermal find that their electric bills double or triple. Some get past that cost (and the decidedly un-green coal-powered electricity use) by installing solar panels and generating their own electricity. Others simply eat the cost, understanding that they are saving enormously on gas or oil costs and using a system with more than four times the efficiency of the most efficient gas heat.

Government loans and tax credits make even retrofitting to a geothermal system affordable. As gas and oil prices rise, geothermal heating looks like a better bet than ever. In addition, recent “super storms” have led people to recognize the power of geothermal heating as a weatherproof resource.    1 
 1. With which of the following generalizations about geothermal heating would the author of the passage most likely agree?

(A) Geothermal heating is an effective substitute for heating sources that use nonrenewable resources.
(B) Although it represents one form of green energy, geothermal heating is not universally appropriate.
(C) Because they use energy from the Earth, geothermal heating and cooling work best at low latitudes.
(D) A geothermal heating system with horizontal piping is far more efficient than one with vertical piping.
(E) State and federal governments should provide further incentives for switching to geothermal heat.

2 
 2. The passage is primarily concerned with

(A) evaluating several forms of renewable energy
(B) promoting residential use of geothermal heating
(C) describing one green energy alternative
(D) identifying recent discoveries about geothermal heat
(E) explaining how geothermal heat benefits consumers

3 
 3. The author indicates that the purpose of the ground loop is to

(A) remove water
(B) extract heat
(C) distribute air
(D) convey heat
(E) generate heat

4 
 4. The author mentions solar panels for what purpose?

(A) To compare costs of geothermal and other alternative energy sources
(B) To show that using one renewable source does not preclude using another
(C) To contrast the relative efficiencies of two forms of power
(D) To remind the reader that alternatives to coal exist
(E) To suggest how the high electrical costs of a heat pump might be mitigated

5 
 5. From the presentation of information in the final paragraph, it can be reasonably inferred that the author believes which of the following about geothermal heating?

(A) Its cost will continue to drop.
(B) It is likely to grow in popularity.
(C) It will be superseded by new forms of energy.
(D) Its benefits will never outweigh its drawbacks.
(E) It is the only answer to power losses due to super storms.

RC Butler 2023  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 202 Date: 21-Jun-2023
 This question is part of RC Butler 2023 .  Click here for Details

parthwagh · Answer

(A)  This generalization aligns with the main points made in the passage, which highlight the advantages of geothermal heating as a green energy alternative that is energy efficient and environmentally clean. The passage emphasizes how geothermal heating utilizes the Earth's natural warmth, making it a sustainable option compared to heating sources that rely on nonrenewable resources like oil or gas.

(B) While geothermal heating may not be universally appropriate for all situations, the passage does not suggest that it is not a viable green energy alternative. The advantages of geothermal heating are clearly outlined, making this generalization less likely.

(C) The passage does not mention that geothermal heating works best at low latitudes. In fact, geothermal heating is effective in various regions, not limited to specific latitudes. This generalization is not supported by the information provided in the passage.

(D) The passage does not make any direct comparison between the efficiency of geothermal heating systems with horizontal piping versus vertical piping. Both types of systems are mentioned as components of geothermal heating, and the passage does not indicate that one is far more efficient than the other. This generalization is not supported by the passage.

(E) While the passage mentions government loans and tax credits that make switching to geothermal heat more affordable, it does not explicitly state that further incentives should be provided. The passage focuses more on the advantages and cost-effectiveness of geothermal heating rather than calling for additional incentives. This generalization is not directly supported by the passage.

parthwagh · Answer

describing one green energy alternative, accurately reflects the passage's primary focus. Here's why:

The entire passage delves into geothermal heating, explaining its mechanics, advantages, costs, and government incentives. There are no comparisons to other green energy forms, making (A) inaccurate.
While promoting individual usage is encouraged within the description, it's not the sole objective. Technical details and cost analysis suggest a broader informational purpose as compared to (B).
The passage describes the geothermal technology and its function, not recent discoveries, eliminating (D).
Consumer benefits like efficiency and potential cost savings are mentioned but don't overshadow the comprehensive description, making (E) less fitting.
Therefore, while other options touch on aspects discussed, only (C) directly captures the central focus of describing and informing about geothermal heating as a green energy alternative.

toptech · Answer

I think the passage really highlights why ground-source or geothermal heating and cooling is considered a green energy alternative — it uses the Earth’s relatively stable underground temperature to heat in winter and cool in summer, which makes it much more efficient than traditional HVAC systems that rely on burning fuel or fluctuating air temperatures.

Some clear advantages to geothermal systems are that they can be up to 4 times more efficient than conventional heating, significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and offer long-term cost savings over their lifetime.

It’s also true that the initial installation cost can be higher and they’re harder to retrofit into existing homes, but many homeowners find that reduced utility bills and possible tax credits or incentives help offset that over time.

Overall, geothermal is definitely a viable and environmentally friendly option, especially in new construction or for people focused on sustainability and long-term savings.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. The author indicates that the purpose of the ground loop is to

Read the following lines from the passgae:

In cold weather, the ground loop circulates water or another liquid, which absorbs the heat from the Earth and transports it to the heat pump.

Also:

In warm weather, the process is reversed—the heat pump removes heat from the hot air and transports it through the ground loop into the Earth ...

So the ground loop’s role is to transport or convey heat either from the ground into the building (heating) or from the building into the ground (cooling).

(A)  no, it circulates liquid, but purpose is not to  “remove water.”

(B)  the heat pump extracts heat from the liquid; the ground loop circulates liquid to carry heat.

(C)  no, air distribution is done via ducts/heat pump system inside.

(D)  matches  “transports heat”  from Earth to pump or vice versa.

(E)  no, it moves heat; it does not generate it.

Answer: D

Ground-source, or geothermal, cooling and heating is a green energy al

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Ground-source, or geothermal, cooling and heating is a green energy al

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615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

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