A Mysterious New Material is Surprising Scientists with its Ability to Conduct Electricity Without Resistance

Reading Passage Question

A mysterious new material is surprising scientists with its ability to conduct electricity without resistance (a measure of an object’s opposition to the flow of electric current) at close to room temperature, about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While known superconductors typically function only in extremely frigid temperatures, though at atmospheric pressures, the new material only survives under very high pressures, such as those near the center of the Earth. Still, while the compound composed of carbon, sulfur, and hydrogen isn’t immediately feasible for use, it demonstrates the possibility of zero resistance materials that are functional at normal temperatures. Known technological uses for superconductors abound and include generators for wind turbines as well as magnetic resonance imaging machines. But the need for temperatures below −140 degrees Celsius for these common superconductors currently poses a significant limitation to their usage. Previously tested materials that demonstrated superconductivity comprised only two elements, and the copious research on such compounds means that they are well-understood. This three-component compound has expanded the possibilities for future superconductor research. Since such a combination is unique in its superconductivity, scientists cannot yet explain this material’s properties or how it can function at such unusually high temperatures.

“A mysterious new material is surprising scientists with its ability to conduct electricity without resistance” - is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 6 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

Question 1
The primary purpose of the passage is to

1. compare technologies in one field to those in another field
2. determine the ideal temperature for a material
3. evaluate the implications of a scientific discovery
4. enumerate potential applications of a new technology
5. speculate about potential future scientific developments

Question 2
The author mentions the highlighted phrase most likely in order to

1. explain how pressures vary in different regions of the Earth
2. highlight a drawback of common superconductors
3. compare the requirements of different superconductors
4. describe the primary location in which superconductors function
5. emphasize the difficulty of achieving extremely low temperatures

Question 3
Each of the following is mentioned in the passage as a characteristic of the new material EXCEPT

1. It is composed of three elements.
2. It can function at temperatures above freezing.
3. It requires high amounts of pressure.
4. It could lead to new and useful technologies.
5. It is well-understood.

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