Multiple choice

Elion is a liquid, usually highly toxic, that is created only when petroleum is pumped rapidly by offshore petroleum rigs. If and only if the maximum pumping rate of a rig's machinery is exceeded will Elion be released into the surrounding water, usually in unpredictable amounts. A technique must be developed to safely dispose off Elion. Most of the Elion produced at offshore petroleum rigs is shipped to the mainland for disposal in underground caves, but not all caves can safely contain the highly toxic liquid.

Which one of the following can be inferred from the passage?

  1. If petroleum producers were able to predict the amount of Elion released, they would be better able to facilitate safe disposal.

  2. If Elion is not released into the surrounding water, the petroleum well's maximum suggested pumping rate has not been exceeded.

  3. No underground cave can safely contain Elion.

  4. Some Elion is sent to underground caves that cannot safely contain it.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

You know this is true because if and only if the petroleum well's maximum pumping rate is exceeded, Elion is released into the water. There's no other way for it to be released, so if it isn't, the maximum pumping rate must not have been exceeded.

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