Within a Couple of Weeks After the Announcement of Superconductivity in MgB2

Reading Passage Question

Within a couple of weeks after the announcement of superconductivity in MgB2, we had devised a technique for making wire segments of this remarkable superconductor. MgB2 can be formed by reacting magnesium vapor with boron, a process that can take place within hours at temperatures near 1,000 degrees Celsius: the boron essentially sucks the magnesium vapor out of the environment and becomes MgB2. This process works with boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters; it has been applied to filaments with starting diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.

Wire segments such as these are very useful for basic research, allowing for the measurement of the intrinsic physical properties of MgB2. Before such wire segments could be used in practical applications, they would need to have a conductive, malleable sheath to provide structural support. A suitable sheath has not yet been developed.

A more common method of wire synthesis is called “powder in a tube.” This technique involves pouring powdered magnesium and boron or powdered MgB2 into a tube, drawing the tube into a wire, and then reacting or annealing the wire to produce a solid structure. This technique has produced research samples that range from tens to hundreds of meters long. Despite MgB2 being a rather young superconductor, companies have been taking notice and are working toward commercializing it. Examples include Diboride Conductors and Hyper Tech Research, which are small companies focusing on making and improving the properties of MgB2 wires.

“Within a couple of weeks after the announcement of superconductivity in MgB2, we had devised a technique for making wire segments of this remarkable superconductor” - 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
According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

1. It is the best among all superconductors
2. It can be formed without boron fiber
3. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
4. It is the only emerging superconductor
5. The process to make MgB2 is costly

Question 2
According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:

1. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
2. It is a liquid substance
3. It is a solid substance
4. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
5. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter

Question 3
It can be inferred from the passage that

1. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
2. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
3. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
4. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
5. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market

Question 4
The primary purpose of the passage is:

1. to describe the history of MgB2
2. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
3. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
4. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
5. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments

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