2026年4月托福机经套卷(第1套)Read an Academic Passage5 道题

Thermoelectricity

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Thermoelectricity Thermoelectric materials offer a promising solution for converting waste heat into usable electrical energy, making them a valuable option for sustainable energy generation. Thermoelectric devices consist of thermoelectric materials arranged so that one side is heated while the other is cooled; the ensuing temperature difference generates an electric current (the Seebeck effect). Waste heat sources include industrial exhaust or even body heat. In the automotive industry, thermoelectric generators have been integrated into hybrid and electric vehicles to recover heat from exhaust systems and convert it into electricity. That electricity can then be used to power onboard electronics or charge the battery, improving the car's efficiency. Many of the most effective thermoelectric material types, however, rely on rare or environmentally harmful elements, such as lead and tellurium, which limits their practicality for large-scale use. Additionally, the amount of electricity that can be produced from heat is still relatively low compared to other energy technologies. Researchers are working to overcome these issues by developing safer, more abundant materials—such as modified forms of silicon that can be engineered to exhibit thermoelectric properties—and by optimizing device architecture to improve energy conversion efficiency and scalability.

Question 1查看单题

What can be concluded about "waste heat" based on the passage?

AIt is produced by the Seebeck effect.

BIt is produced as a result of thermoelectric energy generation.

CIt is a byproduct of various processes and typically goes unused.

DIt is usually produced in quantities that are too small to be of use.

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正确答案：C

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Question 2查看单题

The word "ensuing" in the passage is closest in meaning to

Aresulting

Binstant

Clarge

Dweakening

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正确答案：A

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Question 3查看单题

Why does the author discuss the automotive industry in the passage?

ATo argue that car exhaust systems do not produce enough heat to be a practical source of energy

BTo contrast the use of thermoelectric generators in hybrid vehicles with their use in electric vehicles

CTo give an example of a successful application of thermoelectricity

DTo illustrate the difficulties of implementing thermoelectricity in consumer products

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正确答案：C

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Question 4查看单题

All of the following are mentioned in the passage as drawbacks of thermoelectric technology EXCEPT:

AComponents of thermoelectric materials can be difficult to source.

BConverting existing infrastructure will be expensive.

CThermoelectric materials often contain toxic elements.

DIt does not produce large quantities of energy.

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正确答案：B

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Question 5查看单题

There are four locations █ in the passage that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

Thermoelectric devices typically achieve conversion efficiencies of 5-8%, whereas solar panels reach 15-22%, and natural gas power plants can attain efficiencies of 45-50%, or even more.

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