GRE Reading Comprehension
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Source: NO4
It is a popular misconception that nuclear fusion power is free of radioactivity; in fact, the deuterium-tritium reaction that nuclear scientists are currently exploring with such zeal produces both alpha particles and neutrons, (The neutrons are used to produce tritium from a lithium blanket surrounding the reactor.) Another common misconception is that nuclear fusion power is a virtually unlimited source of energy because of the enormous quantity of deuterium in the sea. Actually, its limits are set by the amount of available lithium, which is about as plentiful as uranium in the Earth's crust. Research should certainly continue on controlled nuclear fusion,but no energy program should be premised on its existence until it has proven practical. For the immediate future, we must continue to use hydroelectric power, nuclear fission, and fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. The energy sources already in major use are in major use for good reason.
Which of the following statements concerning nuclear scientists is most directly suggested in the passage?
- A Nuclear scientists are not themselves aware of all of the facts surrounding the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction.
- B Nuclear scientists exploring the decuterium-tritium reaction have overlooked key facts in their eagerness to prove nuclear fusion practical.
- C Nuclear scientists may have overestimated the amount of lithium actually available in the Earth's crust.
- D Nuclear scientists have not been entirely dispassionate in their investigation of the deuterium-tritium reaction.
- E Nuclear scientists have insufficiently investigated the lithium-to-tritium reaction in nuclear fusion.