Read the passage excerpt:
'Passive solar architectural design harnesses natural thermal dynamics without reliance on mechanical ventilation or electric pumps. Key principles include orienting structural facades to optimize seasonal solar gain, incorporating high thermal mass materials—such as rammed earth or poured concrete—to absorb daytime heat and release it during cooler night periods, and engineering calculated roof overhangs that obstruct high summer sun angles while permitting low-angle winter sunlight to penetrate interior living spaces.'
How do high thermal mass materials function in passive solar buildings?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. They absorb heat during warm daytime hours and re-radiate it during cooler nights
- Step 1: The passage explains that high thermal mass materials like rammed earth 'absorb daytime heat and release it during cooler night periods'.
- Step 2: This thermal inertia dampens interior diurnal temperature fluctuations.
Answer
They absorb heat during warm daytime hours and re-radiate it during cooler nights.
Why not the others: 'They generate geothermal electricity...' describes power generation, not passive thermal storage; 'They reflect 100% of visible light...' describes mirrors or bright paint; 'They rapidly conduct external heat...' describes high thermal conductivity, the opposite of moderating thermal mass.
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