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The table below summarizes the main energy resources used to generate electricity in three different states—Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

State Coal Petroleum Natural Gas Nuclear Hydro Renewables
Idaho 1% 1% 16% 0% 77% 6%
Rhode Island 0% 1% 98% 1% 1% 6%
Vermont 0% 1% 1% 76% 16% 7%
U.S. Total 51% 3% 17% 21% 66% 2%

Considering the information in the table, which of the following statements is true?
A.
On average, the rest of the U.S. uses more natural gas to generate its electricity than Rhode Island.
B.
On average, Rhode Island generates much more of its electricity from nuclear materials than the rest of the U.S.
C.
Most of the coal-derived electrical energy used by the rest of the U.S. is generated in Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
D.
On average, the rest of the U.S. uses much more coal than Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont to generate electricity.

1 answer

Let's analyze each statement using the data provided in the table:

A. On average, the rest of the U.S. uses more natural gas to generate its electricity than Rhode Island.

  • Rhode Island uses 98% natural gas for electricity generation, while the U.S. total uses 17%. This statement is false.

B. On average, Rhode Island generates much more of its electricity from nuclear materials than the rest of the U.S.

  • Rhode Island generates 1% of its electricity from nuclear, while the U.S. total generates 21% from nuclear. This statement is false.

C. Most of the coal-derived electrical energy used by the rest of the U.S. is generated in Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

  • Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont combined generate only 1% (Idaho) + 0% (Rhode Island) + 0% (Vermont) = 1% coal. The U.S. generates 51% of its electricity from coal, so this statement is false.

D. On average, the rest of the U.S. uses much more coal than Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont to generate electricity.

  • The rest of the U.S. generates 51% of its electricity from coal, while Idaho, Rhode Island, and Vermont together contribute only 1%. Therefore, this statement is true.

The correct answer is D.