About twice every century, one of the massive stars in our galaxy blow

Question

New Project RC Butler 2019  -  Practice 2 RC Passages Everyday   
Passage # 146, Date : 14-APR-2019
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About twice every century, one of the massive stars in our galaxy blows itself apart in a supernova explosion that sends massive quantities of radiation and matter into space and generates shock waves that sweep through the arms of the galaxy. The shock waves heat the interstellar gas, evaporate small clouds, and compress larger ones to the point at which they collapse under their own gravity to form new stars. The general picture that has been developed for the supernova explosion and its aftermath goes something like this. Throughout its evolution, a star is much like a leaky balloon. It keeps its equilibrium figure through a balance of internal pressure against the tendency to collapse under its own weight. The pressure is generated by nuclear reactions in the core of the star which must continually supply energy to balance the energy that leaks out in the form of radiation. Eventually the nuclear fuel is exhausted, and the pressure drops in the core. With nothing to hold it up, the matter in the center of the star collapses inward, creating higher and higher densities and temperatures, until the nuclei and electrons are fused into a super-dense lump of matter known as a neutron star.

As the overlying layers rain down on the surface of the neutron star, the temperature rises, until with a blinding flash of radiation, the collapse is reversed. A thermonuclear shock wave runs through the now expanding stellar envelope, fusing lighter elements into heavier ones and producing a brilliant visual outburst that can be as intense as the light of 10 billion suns. The shell of matter thrown off by the explosion plows through the surrounding gas, producing an expanding bubble of hot gas, with gas temperatures in the millions of degrees. This gas will emit most of its energy at X-ray wavelengths, so it is not surprising that X-ray observatories have provided some of the most useful insights into the nature of the supernova phenomenon. More than twenty supernova remnants have now been detected in X-ray studies.

Recent discoveries of  meteorites  with anomalous concentrations of certain isotopes indicate that a supernova might have precipitated the birth of our solar system more than four and a half billion years ago. Although the cloud that collapsed to form the Sun and the planets was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, it also contained carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, elements essential for life as we know it. Elements heavier than helium are manufactured deep in the interior of stars and would, for the most part, remain there if it were not for the cataclysmic supernova explosions that blow giant stars apart. Additionally, supernovas produce clouds of high-energy particles called cosmic rays. These high-energy particles continually bombard the Earth and are responsible for many of the genetic mutations that are the driving force of the evolution of species.    1  
 1. Which of the following titles best describes the content of the passage?

(A) The Origins and Effects of Supernovas
(B) The Life and Death of Stars
(C) The Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth
(D) The Aftermath of a Supernova
(E) Violent Change in the Universe

2  
 2. According to the passage, we can expect a supernova to occur in our galaxy

(A) about twice each year
(B) hundreds of times each century
(C) about once every fifty years
(D) about once every other century
(E) about once every four to five billion years

3  
 3. According to the passage all of the following are true of supernovas EXCEPT that they

(A) are extremely bright
(B) are an explosion of some sort
(C) emit large quantities of X-rays
(D) result in the destruction of a neutron star
(E) are caused by the collision of large galaxies

4  
 4. The author employs which of the following to develop the first paragraph?

(A) Analogy
(B) Deduction
(C) Generalization
(D) Example
(E) Refutation

5  
 5. It can be inferred from the passage that the meteorites ( Highlighted ) mentioned by the author

(A) contain dangerous concentrations of radioactive materials
(B) give off large quantities of X-rays
(C) include material not created in the normal development of our solar system
(D) are larger than the meteors normally found in a solar system like ours
(E) contain pieces of a supernova that occurred several billion years ago

6  
 6. The author implies that

(A) it is sometimes easier to detect supernovas by observation of the X-ray spectrum than by observation of visible wavelengths of light
(B) life on Earth is endangered by its constant exposure to radiation forces that are released by a supernova
(C) recently discovered meteorites indicate that the Earth and other planets of our solar system survived the explosion of a supernova several billion years ago
(D) lighter elements are formed from heavier elements during a supernova as the heavier elements are torn apart
(E) the core of a neutron star is composed largely of heavier elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen

7  
 7. According to the passage what is the first event in the sequence that leads to the occurrence of a supernova?

(A) An ordinary star begins to emit tremendous quantities of X-rays.
(B) A neutron star is enveloped by a superheated cloud of gas.
(C) An imbalance between light and heavy elements causes an ordinary star to collapse.
(D) A cloud of interstellar gas rich in carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, collapses to form a neutron star.
(E) An ordinary star exhausts its supply of nuclear fuel and begins to collapse.

8  
 8. According to the passage a neutron star is

(A) a gaseous cloud containing heavy elements
(B) an intermediate stage between an ordinary star and a supernova
(C) the residue that is left by a supernova
(D) the core of an ordinary star that houses the thermonuclear reactions
(E) one of billions of meteors that are scattered across the galaxy by a supernova

9  
 9. The author is primarily concerned with

(A) speculating about the origins of our solar system
(B) presenting evidence proving the existence of supernovas
(C) discussing the nuclear reaction that occurs in the core of a star
(D) describing the sequence of scientific events
(E) disproving a theory about the causes of supernovas

BG · Answer

For Q1 look line 5 in my opinion D)
Q2 line 1 think it is C)
Q 3 E)
Q4 think it is analogy cause compares the star with a balloon
Q5 line 1 of third paragraph think it is B)
6-A)
7-E) first paragraph
8-B) a stage between a star and a supernova
9 gues it is C) but more sure about D)

vannbj · Answer

I often get main point and title questions wrong.

B - This is probably A
D - It's every 200 years so every other century
E - This can't be anything but E. They're made by implosion then explosion of stars not anything else
A - the author compares it to a balloon
E - B may be true but it can't be inferred ie "must be true" only E works bc of the heavier elements found in the meteors
E - A doesn't seem to be implied to me. You can see a supernova w/ ur naked eye bc it's brighter than 100 billion suns or something. that's easier than using xray telescopes. E works bc b4 the core elements are shot out they have to be imploded on inside the neutron according to the text
E - E is the first step. after it implodes on itself it explodes on the universe or something
B - we all got B for 8 so I need not explain
D - C is the trap door answer. The author discusses it but it is the primary concern of the author. D is the primary concern.

These are my guesses since I can't google the OA at work

BS55 · Answer

Hi Experts,
Please can you assist with the explanation of Q4. I am not sure how the Author tone is Analogy. If am correct it means comparing.

Regards

srnaga · Answer

ok , please read this line and guess the tone!
the general picture that has been developed for the supernova explosion and its aftermath goes something like this.

kitipriyanka · Answer

https://gmatclub.com/forum/about-twice-every-century-one-of-the-massive-stars-in-our-galaxy-blow-23264.html#p154015

1. Which of the following titles best describes the content of the passage?
(A) The Origins and Effects of Supernovas
(B) The Life and Death of Stars
(C) The Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth
(D) The Aftermath of a Supernova
(E) Violent Change in the Universe

1st para - how is Supernova originated    
2nd para - Effects of Supernove    
3rd para - Effects of Supernova.    
 
This RC is all about Supernova. There are two options A or D. However D is a trap  supernova explosion and its aftermath  goes something like this.] Answer is A.

2. According to the passage, we can expect a supernova to occur in our galaxy
(A) about twice each year
(B) hundreds of times each century
(C) about once every fifty years
(D) about once every other century
(E) about once every four to five billion years

About twice every century , one of the massive stars in our galaxy blows itself apart in a supernova explosion   Answer is C.

3. According to the passage all of the following are true of supernovas EXCEPT that they
(A) are extremely bright  producing a  brilliant visual outburst that can be as intense  as the light of 10 billion suns 
(B) are an explosion of some sort   supernova explosion ] 
(C) emit large quantities of X-rays  More than twenty  supernova remnants have now been detected in X-ray studies . 
(D) result in the destruction of a neutron star  As the overlying layers rain down on the  surface of the neutron star , the temperature rises, until with a blinding flash of radiation, the collapse is reversed.  A thermonuclear shock  wave runs through the now expanding stellar envelope 
(E) are caused by the collision of large galaxies

Therefore, Answer is E

4. The author employs which of the following to develop the first paragraph?
(A) Analogy 
(B) Deduction
(C) Generalization
(D) Example
(E) Refutation

Author tries to create an analogy by explaining how supernova explosion occurs in Stars. Hence Answer is A

5. It can be inferred from the passage that the meteorites mentioned by the author at line 39
(A) contain dangerous concentrations of radioactive materials
(B) give off large quantities of X-rays
(C) include material not created in the normal development of our solar system
(D) are larger than the meteors normally found in a solar system like ours
(E) contain pieces of a supernova that occurred several billion years ago

meteorites with anomalous concentrations of certain isotopes indicate that a  supernova might have precipitated the birth of our solar system  more than four and a half billion years ago. Although the cloud that collapsed to form the Sun and the planets was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium,  it also contained carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, elements essential for life  as we know it.  
Answer is C.Material here refers to "arbon, nitrogen, and oxygen"

6. The author implies that
(A) it is sometimes easier to detect supernovas by observation of the X-ray spectrum than by observation of visible wavelengths of light
(B) life on Earth is endangered by its constant exposure to radiation forces that are released by a supernova
(C) recently discovered meteorites indicate that the Earth and other planets of our solar system survived the explosion of a supernova several billion years ago
(D) lighter elements are formed from heavier elements during a supernova as the heavier elements are torn apart
(E) the core of a neutron star is composed largely of heavier elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen

This gas will emit most of its energy at  X-ray wavelengths , so it is  not surprising that X-ray observatories have provided some of the most useful insights into the nature of the supernova phenomenon.  
Therefore, Answer is A

7. According to the passage what is the first event in the sequence that leads to the occurrence of a supernova?
(A) An ordinary star begins to emit tremendous quantities of X-rays.
(B) A neutron star is enveloped by a superheated cloud of gas.
(C) An imbalance between light and heavy elements causes an ordinary star to collapse.
(D) A cloud of interstellar gas rich in carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, collapses to form a neutron star.
(E) An ordinary star exhausts its supply of nuclear fuel and begins to collapse.

Eventually  the nuclear fuel is exhausted , and the pressure drops in the core. With nothing to hold it up, the matter in the center of the  star collapses  inward  
Therefore,Answer is E

8. According to the passage a neutron star is
(A) a gaseous cloud containing heavy elements
(B) an intermediate stage between an ordinary star and a supernova
(C) the residue that is left by a supernova
(D) the core of an ordinary star that houses the thermonuclear reactions
(E) one of billions of meteors that are scattered across the galaxy by a supernova

1st and 2nd para explains ordinary star -> neutron star -> supernova
Hence Answer is B

9. The author is primarily concerned with
(A) speculating about the origins of our solar system
(B) presenting evidence proving the existence of supernovas
(C) discussing the nuclear reaction that occurs in the core of a star
(D) describing the sequence of scientific events
(E) disproving a theory about the causes of supernovas

1st para - Scientific events involved in the origination of supernova.
2nd para - Its effects on neutron star, gases produced and X-rays
3rd para - Effect on solar system, cosmic rays
Hence, answer is D

Skywalker18 · Answer

All correct in 12 mins 30 seconds, including 4 mins 40 seconds to read

Para 1- Supernova --how it occurs? , aftermath , neutron star formation
Para 2- continuation, usage of X-rays
Para 3- Supernova precipitated our solar system, cosmic rays - mutation

1. Which of the following titles best describes the content of the passage?
(A) The Origins and Effects of Supernovas - Correct

2. According to the passage, we can expect a supernova to occur in our galaxy
(C) about once every fifty years

About twice every century, one of the massive stars in our galaxy blows itself apart in a supernova explosion that sends massive quantities of radiation and matter into space and generates shock waves that sweep through the arms of the galaxy

3. According to the passage all of the following are true of supernovas EXCEPT that they
(A) are extremely bright - incorrect, fusing lighter elements into heavier ones and producing a brilliant visual outburst that can be as intense as the light of 10 billion suns
(B) are an explosion of some sort- incorrect , in a supernova explosion that sends massive quantities of radiation and matter into space and generates shock waves
(C) emit large quantities of X-rays - incorrect, This gas will emit most of its energy at X-ray wavelengths
(D) result in the destruction of a neutron star- incorrect, As the overlying layers rain down on the surface of the neutron star, the temperature rises, until with a blinding flash of radiation, the collapse is reversed
(E) are caused by the collision of large galaxies- Correct

4. The author employs which of the following to develop the first paragraph?
(A) Analogy

The general picture that has been developed for the supernova explosion and its aftermath goes something like this. Throughout its evolution, a star is much like a leaky balloon.

5. It can be inferred from the passage that the meteorites (Highlighted) mentioned by the author
(C) include material not created in the normal development of our solar system

Recent discoveries of meteorites with anomalous concentrations of certain isotopes indicate that a supernova might have  precipitated the birth of our solar system  more than four and a half billion years ago.

6. The author implies that
(A) it is sometimes easier to detect supernovas by observation of the X-ray spectrum than by observation of visible wavelengths of light

This gas will emit most of its energy at X-ray wavelengths, so it is not surprising that X-ray observatories have provided some of the most useful insights into the nature of the supernova phenomenon. More than twenty supernova remnants have now been detected in X-ray studies.

7. According to the passage what is the first event in the sequence that leads to the occurrence of a supernova?
(E) An ordinary star exhausts its supply of nuclear fuel and begins to collapse.

The pressure is generated by nuclear reactions in the core of the star which must continually supply energy to balance the energy that leaks out in the form of radiation. Eventually the nuclear fuel is exhausted, and the pressure drops in the core. With nothing to hold it up, the matter in the center of the star collapses inward, creating higher and higher densities and temperatures, until the nuclei and electrons are fused into a super-dense lump of matter known as a neutron star.

8. According to the passage a neutron star is
(B) an intermediate stage between an ordinary star and a supernova- Correct

9. The author is primarily concerned with

(A) speculating about the origins of our solar system- too narrow scope- talked in last para
(B) presenting evidence proving the existence of supernovas- incorrect
(C) discussing the nuclear reaction that occurs in the core of a star - incorrect-- too much of detail
(D) describing the sequence of scientific events- correct
(E) disproving a theory about the causes of supernovas- incorrect, no theory is disproven

09173140521 · Answer

I do not really understand why and how Q #7 connected to passage ????? how  first  is  eventually   !!!????

7. According to the passage what is  the first  event in the sequence that leads to the occurrence of a supernova?
 Eventually  the nuclear fuel is exhausted, and .....

someone please explain or some expert ...... GMATNinja

huongguyen · Answer

1. Which of the following titles best describes the content of the passage?

(A) The Origins and Effects of Supernovas → make sense
(B) The Life and Death of Stars → discuss only supernovas.
(C) The Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth → minor mention at the 3rd paragraph
(D) The Aftermath of a Supernova → minor mention at the 2nd, 3rd paragraph
(E) ~~Violent Change~~ in the Universe

==> A

2. According to the passage, we can expect a supernova to occur in our galaxy
Scope line: About twice every century, one of the massive stars in our galaxy blows itself apart in a supernova explosion
(A) about twice ~~each year~~
(B) ~~hundreds of times~~ each century
(C) about once every fifty years → yes, do simple maths.
(D) about ~~once every other century~~
(E) about once ~~every four to five billion years~~

3. According to the passage all of the following are true of supernovas EXCEPT that they

(A) are extremely bright → “producing a brilliant visual outburst”
(B) are an explosion of some sort --> yes, throughout of the passage we'll get this.
(C) emit large quantities of X-rays → “This gas will emit most of its energy at X-ray wavelengths”
(D) result in the destruction of a neutron star → “ until the nuclei and electrons are fused into a super-dense lump of matter known as a neutron star.
As the overlying layers rain down on the surface of the neutron star, the temperature rises, until with a blinding flash of radiation, the collapse is reversed.
(E) are caused by the collision of large galaxies → not mentioned

4. The author employs which of the following to develop the first paragraph?

(A) Analogy → “Throughout its evolution, a star is much like a leaky balloon.”
(B) Deduction
(C) Generalization
(D) Example
(E) Refutation

+1Kudo please

huongguyen · Answer

5. It can be inferred from the passage that the meteorites (Highlighted) mentioned by the author
Scope line: “Recent discoveries of meteorites with anomalous concentrations of certain isotopes indicate that a supernova might have precipitated the birth of our solar system more than four and a half billion years ago.”

→ Mainpoint: anomalous con. + sinh ra our solar system
(A) contain dangerous concentrations of radioactive materials → it just shows that it has anolamous concentrations, No comment on this concentration at all

(B) give off large quantities of X-rays → not mentioned
(C) include material not created in the normal development of our solar system → not normal = anomalous --> Hold.
(D) are larger than the meteors normally found in a solar system like ours → no comparisons.
(E) contain pieces of a supernova that occurred several billion years ago → Out of scope

6. The author implies that

(A) it is sometimes easier to detect supernovas by observation of the X-ray spectrum than by observation of visible wavelengths of light → Scope line: “This gas will emit most of its energy at X-ray wavelengths, so it is not surprising that X-ray observatories have provided some of the most useful insights into the nature of the supernova phenomenon. More than twenty supernova remnants have now been detected in X-ray studies.”

(B) life on Earth is endangered by its constant exposure to radiation forces that are released by a supernova → no comments about dangers or such things
(C) recently discovered meteorites indicate that the Earth and other planets of our solar system survived the explosion of a supernova several billion years ago → not mentioned
(D) lighter elements are formed from heavier elements during a supernova as the heavier elements are torn apart → only list elements, the passage doesn't say which elements form which elements.

(E) the core of a neutron star is composed largely of ~~heavier elements~~ such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen

7. According to the passage, what is the first event in the sequence that leads to the occurrence of a supernova?
The general picture that has been developed for the supernova explosion and its aftermath goes something like this.
Eventually the nuclear fuel is exhausted, and the pressure drops in the core. With nothing to hold it up, the matter in the center of the star collapses inward, creating higher and higher densities and temperatures, until the nuclei and electrons are fused into a super-dense lump of matter known as a neutron star.
(A) An ordinary star begins to emit tremendous quantities of X-rays. → OOS
(B) A neutron star is enveloped by a superheated cloud of gas.--> OOS
(C) An imbalance between light and heavy elements causes an ordinary star to collapse. → wrong info
(D) A cloud of interstellar gas rich in carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, collapses to form a neutron star. → OOS
(E) An ordinary star exhausts its supply of nuclear fuel and begins to collapse.

8. According to the passage a neutron star is
Scope: “ With nothing to hold it up, the matter in the center of the star collapses inward, creating higher and higher densities and temperatures, until the nuclei and electrons are fused into a super-dense lump of matter known as a neutron star.”
1st and 2nd para explains ordinary star -> neutron star -> supernova

(A) a gaseous cloud containing ~~heavy elements~~
(B) an intermediate stage between an ordinary star and a supernova
(C) the residue that is ~~left by a supernova~~
(D) the core of an ordinary star that houses the ~~thermonuclear~~ reactions
(E) ~~one of billions of meteors~~ that are scattered across the galaxy by a supernova

9. The author is primarily concerned with

(A) ~~speculating~~ about the origins of our solar system
(B) presenting evidence proving the ~~existence of supernovas~~
(C) discussing the ~~nuclear reaction~~ that occurs in the core of a star
(D) describing the sequence of scientific events
(E) ~~disproving a theory~~ about the causes of supernovas

=========
+1kudos please

I really need it to level up my tier. Thank you.

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About twice every century, one of the massive stars in our galaxy blow

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About twice every century, one of the massive stars in our galaxy blow

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