Entry Exam Category: High School Equivalency Exams
Course: General Education Development (GED)
Exam: GED Science and Practice Test
Practice Question
Extract
Read the brief passage about heat.
After Benjamin Franklin argued that electricity was a fluid, the scientific community started discussing other phenomena as being related to fluids. In 1787, Lavoisier developed the idea that heat was an invisible fluid called a caloric fluid. This fluid would leave a hot substance and travel to a colder substance.
Later, in 1783, Lavoisier demonstrated that oxygen was required for combustion. In 1798, Count Rumford observed that the process of boring out cannons from brass cylinders continuously produced heat. He also found the brass filings produced from the drilling process contained enough heat to boil water while retaining their weight.
In the early 1940s, James Joule discovered that heat could be produced by moving a wire through a magnetic field.
After Benjamin Franklin argued that electricity was a fluid, the scientific community started discussing other phenomena as being related to fluids. In 1787, Lavoisier developed the idea that heat was an invisible fluid called a caloric fluid. This fluid would leave a hot substance and travel to a colder substance.
Later, in 1783, Lavoisier demonstrated that oxygen was required for combustion. In 1798, Count Rumford observed that the process of boring out cannons from brass cylinders continuously produced heat. He also found the brass filings produced from the drilling process contained enough heat to boil water while retaining their weight.
In the early 1940s, James Joule discovered that heat could be produced by moving a wire through a magnetic field.
Which statement from the passage refutes Lavoisier's idea that heat is a fluid that leaves a hot substance and travels to a colder substance?
Answer Choices
- A: He also found the brass filings produced from the drilling process contained enough heat to boil water while retaining their weight.
- B: James Joule discovered that heat could be produced by moving a wire through a magnetic field.
- C: Lavoisier demonstrated that oxygen was required for combustion.
- D: Count Rumford observed that the process of boring out cannons from brass cylinders continuously produced heat.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Statement A shows heat is generated without mass loss, refuting the idea of heat as a fluid.