PSAT Reading Question 550: Answer and Explanation

Question: 550

According to Passage 1, what is the aspect of microwaves that most distinguishes it from other types of cooking devices?

• A. Its capacity to increase the kinetic energy of food
• B. The precision with which it can cook food
• C. Its lack of an internal heating element
• D. The presence of intermolecular friction in its cooking process

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The first paragraph gives evidence of this, stating that other types of cooking devices have internal heating elements while the microwave uses dipole rotation to heat food. Choices (A) and (D) are incorrect because all types of cooking increase the kinetic energy and intermolecular friction of food molecules, albeit by different methods. Choice (B) is not correct because this is a focus of Passage 2, not Passage 1.