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Difficulty: MediumTransitions: Contrast and Concession

In the mid-twentieth century, physicists predicted that the synthesis of superheavy element 114 (flerovium) would yield isotopes situated on a theoretical 'island of stability,' where atomic nuclei would have half-lives spanning years rather than milliseconds. Subsequent experiments successfully produced flerovium isotopes in particle accelerators. ______ the longest-lived isotope generated had a half-life of only a few seconds, falling far short of the predicted stability but still exceeding the lifetimes of surrounding elements.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. A
    Specifically,
  2. B
    Consequently,
  3. Still,Answer
  4. D
    Furthermore,

Answer

Still,
The correct answer is the transition that indicates contrast or concession. The passage discusses a prediction that the superheavy element would have half-lives of years, but the actual result was a half-life of only a few seconds. The transition must introduce this counter-evidence. The transition 'still' is used to signal a contrast or concession, making it the most logical choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas in the passage.
The first sentence notes that scientists expected the superheavy element to have half-lives of 'years,' and the second sentence confirms the element was produced. The third sentence states that the actual half-life was 'only a few seconds.'
Identifying the relationship between the sentences is necessary to determine the logical transition needed.
2
Determine the type of transition required.
The transition must signal a contrast or concession because the actual half-life of a few seconds strongly contrasts with the expected half-life of years.
Knowing the transition type allows us to filter out incorrect relationships like addition, cause-and-effect, or elaboration.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that establishes a contrast or concession.
The transition 'still' is a contrast/concession transition, fitting the context, whereas the other options indicate addition, cause-and-effect, or elaboration.
Selecting the option that correctly represents contrast completes the text logically.

Key Concept

Transitions: Contrast and Concession
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Topics

Transitions: Contrast and Concession

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