PSAT Reading Question 558: Answer and Explanation

Question: 558

Based on the information in the passages and the table, which combination of substances can it reasonably be inferred would be most likely to be heated by a microwave oven?

• A. Ethylene and acetic acid
• B. Glucose and water
• C. Carbon dioxide and methane
• D. Ethyl alcohol and gasoline

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The second and third paragraphs of Passage 1 discuss how microwaves use the rotation of the polar molecules within food to heat up the food. Therefore, glucose and water would be heated within a microwave because they are both polar molecules according to the table. The other options each include at least one nonpolar substance.