(38)正解2
Some materials could serve as superconductors under conditions that were easier to create than previously thought possible
言い換え、1パラ5行目
could be achieved in relatively easy-to-create conditions
Whereas previous superconductive materials had only worked at temperatures around minus 273 degrees ...,
以前の superconductive materialsは、~の条件でしか働かなかったが...
(39)正解1
superconductive materials did not bend easily, so they were not a practical alternative to conventional power lines
言い換え、2パラ4行目
the new superconductive materials were delicate and broke easily, making them unsuitable as a replacement for copper and aluminum wires
そしてさらに、3パラ2行目
recent breakthroughs in making flexible superconductive wires
つまり、「柔軟性」がなかったことが分かる。
(40)正解3
power companies are unwilling to make the financial investment to build the necessary infrastructure
言い換え、3パラ6行目
Convincing the U.S. power industry to pay the costs required for removing old transmission lines ... is not easy
さらに、3パラ9行目
electric utilities are very conservative
power companiesは、非常に保守的だと述べられている。
(41)正解3
It may help lead to a more widespread adoption of energy sources that are now seen as impractical for cities
言い換え、4パラ3行目
using superconductive cables would enable the delivery of generated electricity
to urban centers without the energy losses that currently keep such efforts from being practical
エネルギー損失なく送電することができるようになるだろう。
そのエネルギー損失のせいで、現在は実用化されていない。