This is a resolve, reconcile, explain question, as the stem states: Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why the new silencing device will make lower electricity consumptions possible?
As mentioned in our question stem, this stimulus is about a new silencing device. This device negates the sound waves produced by domestic appliances. Sounds high-tech! Next we learn that this device differs from conventional silencers by actively eliminating noise, and because of this vacuum cleaners which incorporate the device will consume less electricity. Interesting, but I’m not sure I see the connection; why does less noise mean less electricity? The correct answer is going to fill this gap, and give us a reason for why this new silencing device’s noise cancelation will save power. Let’s see our options:
Correct Answer Choice (A) Makes sense! With the new device, the designers can just focus on making the motor as efficient as possible because the noise problem is solved by the device, so the vacuum will consume less electricity.
Answer Choice (B) If anything this suggests the device would increase electricity consumption.
Answer Choice (C) This is just a random fact, and clearly irrelevant to what we are trying to explain.
Answer Choice (D) But we are told the new device will operate with lower electricity consumption. This answer only says that the device allows more electricity consumption, which does nothing to explain why it is has actually decreased.
Answer Choice (E) But how would making them heavier and less mobile lead to lower electricity consumption? This doesn’t give us a satisfying explanation like A does.