Jamboree Question of the Day - Day 11, Nov 18th 2010

Ethanol is a derivative of corn and other grains. When burned as fuel, it emits significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide, a major atmospheric pollutant, than does gasoline. For that reason, environmentalists claim that ethanol is a better source of energy than gasoline.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the environmentalists’ claim?

(A) When burned as fuel, ethanol does not release any pollutants at higher levels than does gasoline.
(B) Ethanol is comparable in price to gasoline.
(C) Available supplies of corn are sufficient to supply several years’ worth of ethanol.
(D) Most gasoline companies already possess the technology to produce ethanol.
(E) Ethanol can be used as heating fuel.


Solution (Posted on Nov, 19th):
(A) CORRECT. This establishes that ethanol is less polluting than gasoline.
(B) The price of the fuels is not the issue in the argument. The environmentalists' claim is based on the levels of pollution that the fuels create.
(C) Whether there is enough corn to produce ethanol is irrelevant to whether it is less polluting than gasoline.
(D) Whether companies already possess the technology to produce ethanol is irrelevant to whether it is less polluting than gasoline.
(E) Whether ethanol can be used as heating fuel is irrelevant to whether it is less polluting than gasoline.

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