Question

A hermit lives in a mountain cabin 50 miles outside of town. The hermit received a letter that their cabin is outside of the electric company’s range and they will no longer be able to access the power grid. The hermit is worried because the mountain region experiences several months with below-freezing temperatures each year. With no electrical energy available, which method would most likely provide enough thermal energy to heat the hermit’s cabin?

Responses
A Turning on the gas stoveTurning on the gas stove
B Lighting some candlesLighting some candles
C Lighting a propane furnaceLighting a propane furnace
D Using an electric space heater

Answer 1

Since the hermit’s cabin is outside of the electric company’s range and they will no longer be able to access the power grid, using an electric space heater (option D) would not be a viable option. Among the remaining options, lighting a propane furnace (option C) would most likely provide enough thermal energy to heat the hermit’s cabin. Propane furnaces are commonly used for heating in areas where natural gas is not available and can provide a reliable source of heat even in very cold temperatures. So, (C) is correct.