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Difficulty: HardTransitions: Cause and Effect

In planetary science, the core-accretion model posits that giant planets form by first accumulating a massive solid core, which then rapidly attracts surrounding hydrogen and helium gas. For planets forming far from their host stars, this gas is cold and dense, making it highly susceptible to rapid gravitational collapse onto the core. ________ the gas envelope is captured in a brief geological window rather than over tens of millions of years.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Therefore,Answer
  2. B
    Nevertheless,
  3. C
    Furthermore,
  4. D
    Previously,

Answer

Therefore,
The correct option is 'Therefore,' because the relationship between the sentences is cause-and-effect. The first sentence explains that gas far from host stars is highly susceptible to rapid gravitational collapse. The second sentence states the result of this susceptibility: the gas envelope is captured in a brief geological window. 'Therefore' logically signals this cause-and-effect connection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas in the passage.
The first sentence explains that gas far from host stars is cold, dense, and highly susceptible to rapid gravitational collapse. The second sentence states that the gas envelope is captured in a brief geological window rather than over tens of millions of years.
Understanding the logical connection between the sentences is necessary to choose the correct transition.
2
Identify the type of transition needed.
Since the rapid capture of the gas envelope is a direct result of the rapid gravitational collapse caused by its cold and dense state, the relationship is cause-and-effect. A cause-and-effect transition is required.
This determines the category of transition word to look for among the options.
3
Evaluate the answer choices based on the identified relationship.
'Therefore' is a cause-and-effect transition. 'Nevertheless' represents contrast, 'Furthermore' represents addition, and 'Previously' represents sequence.
Evaluating each choice ensures that only the one matching the logical connection is selected.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
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Topics

Transitions: Cause and Effect

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