Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 71%

Glass
I wonder who first discovered glass. This commodity has been a part of civilization from the very beginning. Imagine a world without glass! How dark and dismal it would be. No windows, corrective lenses, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, sparkly drinking containers or mirrors. Life would not be the same without this wonderful discovery. Thank you, whoever found glass!
Glass is not an element, but a combination of several elements. It is a hard, brittle, transparent solid material composed mainly of silica, with additives to change the character of the glass. Common additives are soda, lime, lead, and boron. Each additive changes the properties of the final product. Soda and lime are the most common additives, accounting for about 90% of glass production. Adding lead increases reflectivity, causing the glass to "sparkle." The addition of boron changes the thermal and electrical properties of glass, allowing cookware that can be used in the oven without shattering.

What conclusion can be drawn from the information included in the article?

Rationale

New uses for glass are constantly being discovered.

The article highlights the versatility and significance of glass in various applications, from windows and lenses to specialized cookware, indicating that glass continues to have a wide range of uses. The discussion of different additives suggests ongoing innovation in glass production to enhance its properties for diverse applications.

A (New uses for glass are constantly being discovered.) CORRECT

This choice aligns with the article's emphasis on the versatility and adaptability of glass. The mention of various applications and additives that alter glass properties implies continuous discovery and innovation in its uses.

B (Glass is no longer used in modern technology.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is incorrect as the article lists numerous modern uses of glass, such as in telescopes, cameras, and corrective lenses, demonstrating its ongoing relevance in technology.

C (The production of glass is declining rapidly.) YOUR ANSWER

The article does not provide any evidence or discussion about the decline in glass production. Instead, it focuses on the widespread use and adaptability of glass, suggesting its continued importance.

D (Glass is too brittle to be used in new applications.) YOUR ANSWER

While the article mentions that glass is brittle, it also highlights how additives can change its properties, allowing it to be used in various applications, such as oven-safe cookware, contradicting the idea that brittleness limits its use.

Conclusion

The article illustrates the adaptability and enduring significance of glass in numerous applications, emphasizing its versatility through the use of different additives. The idea that new uses for glass are constantly being discovered is supported by the range of applications mentioned, reflecting its persistent innovation and relevance in both historical and modern contexts. Other choices inaccurately depict glass as obsolete or limited, which is inconsistent with the article's content.

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