TPO18-3 Lightning

Lin G.
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  1. lightning
    flash of light from an electric discharge in the atmosphere
    Lightning
  2. brilliant
    full of light; shining intensely
    Lightning is a brilliant flash of light produced by an electrical discharge from a storm cloud.
  3. attractive
    pleasing to the eye or mind as through beauty or charm
    The electrical discharge takes place when the attractive tension between a region of negatively charged particles and a region of positively charged particles becomes so great that the charged particles suddenly rush together.
  4. tension
    the action of stretching something tight
    The electrical discharge takes place when the attractive tension between a region of negatively charged particles and a region of positively charged particles becomes so great that the charged particles suddenly rush together.
  5. region
    the extended spatial location of something
    The electrical discharge takes place when the attractive tension between a region of negatively charged particles and a region of positively charged particles becomes so great that the charged particles suddenly rush together.
  6. particle
    (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
    The electrical discharge takes place when the attractive tension between a region of negatively charged particles and a region of positively charged particles becomes so great that the charged particles suddenly rush together.
  7. suddenly
    happening unexpectedly
    The electrical discharge takes place when the attractive tension between a region of negatively charged particles and a region of positively charged particles becomes so great that the charged particles suddenly rush together.
  8. neutralize
    make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of
    The coming together of the oppositely charged particles neutralizes the electrical tension and releases a tremendous amount of energy, which we see as lightning.
  9. release
    grant freedom to; free from confinement
    The coming together of the oppositely charged particles neutralizes the electrical tension and releases a tremendous amount of energy, which we see as lightning.
  10. tremendous
    extraordinarily large in extent or amount or power
    The coming together of the oppositely charged particles neutralizes the electrical tension and releases a tremendous amount of energy, which we see as lightning.
  11. energy
    forceful exertion
    The coming together of the oppositely charged particles neutralizes the electrical tension and releases a tremendous amount of energy, which we see as lightning.
  12. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    The separation of positively and negatively charged particles takes place during the development of the storm cloud.
  13. structure
    a complex entity made of many parts
    The separation of charged particles that forms in a storm cloud has a sandwich-like structure.
  14. concentration
    the spatial property of being crowded together
    Concentrations of positively charged particles develop at the top and bottom of the cloud, but the middle region becomes negatively charged.
  15. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    Concentrations of positively charged particles develop at the top and bottom of the cloud, but the middle region becomes negatively charged.
  16. recent
    of the immediate past or just previous to the present time
    Recent measurements made in the field together with laboratory simulations offer a promising explanation of how this structure of charged particles forms.
  17. measurement
    assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
    Recent measurements made in the field together with laboratory simulations offer a promising explanation of how this structure of charged particles forms.
  18. laboratory
    a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
    Recent measurements made in the field together with laboratory simulations offer a promising explanation of how this structure of charged particles forms.
  19. simulation
    the act of imitating the behavior of some situation
    Recent measurements made in the field together with laboratory simulations offer a promising explanation of how this structure of charged particles forms.
  20. promise
    a verbal commitment agreeing to do something in the future
    Recent measurements made in the field together with laboratory simulations offer a promising explanation of how this structure of charged particles forms.
  21. explanation
    making something understandable
    Recent measurements made in the field together with laboratory simulations offer a promising explanation of how this structure of charged particles forms.
  22. crystal
    a solid having a highly regular atomic structure
    When these ice pellets fall, some of them strike much smaller ice crystals in the center of the cloud.
  23. center
    an area that is in the middle of some larger region
    When these ice pellets fall, some of them strike much smaller ice crystals in the center of the cloud.
  24. temperature
    the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment
    The temperature at the center of the cloud is about -15℃ or lower.
  25. collision
    an accident resulting from violent impact of a moving object
    At such temperatures, the collision between the ice pellets and the ice crystals causes electrical charges to shift so that the ice pellets acquire a negative charge and the ice crystals become positively charged.
  26. shift
    move very slightly
    At such temperatures, the collision between the ice pellets and the ice crystals causes electrical charges to shift so that the ice pellets acquire a negative charge and the ice crystals become positively charged.
  27. acquire
    come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
    At such temperatures, the collision between the ice pellets and the ice crystals causes electrical charges to shift so that the ice pellets acquire a negative charge and the ice crystals become positively charged.
  28. negative
    characterized by denial or opposition or resistance
    At such temperatures, the collision between the ice pellets and the ice crystals causes electrical charges to shift so that the ice pellets acquire a negative charge and the ice crystals become positively charged.
  29. current
    occurring in or belonging to the present time
    Then updraft wind currents carry the light, positively charged ice crystals up to the top of the cloud.
  30. concentrate
    make denser, stronger, or purer
    The heavier negatively charged ice pellets are left to concentrate in the center.
  31. process
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
    This process explains why the top of the cloud becomes positively charged, while the center becomes negatively charged.
  32. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    This process explains why the top of the cloud becomes positively charged, while the center becomes negatively charged.
  33. base
    lowest support of a structure
    Below this large, cold, negatively charged region, the cloud is warmer than -15℃, and at these temperatures, collisions between ice crystals and falling ice pellets produce positively charged ice pellets that then populate a small region at the base of the cloud.
  34. collapse
    break down, literally or metaphorically
    Most lightning takes place within a cloud when the charge separation within the cloud collapses.
  35. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  36. destructive
    causing damage
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  37. represent
    be a delegate or spokesperson for
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  38. percent
    a proportion in relation to a whole
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  39. receive
    get something; come into possession of
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  40. scientific
    consistent with systematic study of the physical world
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  41. attention
    the act of concentrating on something
    Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive, so even though it represents only 20 percent of all lightning, it has received a lot of scientific attention.
  42. speed
    a rate at which something happens
    Using high-speed photography, scientists have determined that there are two steps to the occurrence of lightning from a cloud to the ground.
  43. scientist
    a person with advanced knowledge of empirical fields
    Using high-speed photography, scientists have determined that there are two steps to the occurrence of lightning from a cloud to the ground.
  44. determined
    having been learned or found especially by investigation
    Using high-speed photography, scientists have determined that there are two steps to the occurrence of lightning from a cloud to the ground.
  45. occurrence
    an instance of something happening
    Using high-speed photography, scientists have determined that there are two steps to the occurrence of lightning from a cloud to the ground.
  46. channel
    a deep and relatively narrow body of water
    First, a channel, or path, is formed that connects the cloud and the ground.
  47. connect
    fasten or put together two or more pieces
    First, a channel, or path, is formed that connects the cloud and the ground.
  48. electron
    an elementary particle with negative charge
    Then a strong current of electrons follows that path from the cloud to the ground, and it is that current that illuminates the channel as the lightning we see.
  49. illuminate
    make lighter or brighter
    Then a strong current of electrons follows that path from the cloud to the ground, and it is that current that illuminates the channel as the lightning we see.
  50. initiate
    set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
    The formation of the channel is initiated when electrons surge from the cloud base toward the ground.
  51. surge
    rise and move, as in waves or billows
    The formation of the channel is initiated when electrons surge from the cloud base toward the ground.
  52. stream
    a natural body of water flowing on or under the earth
    When a stream of these negatively charged electrons comes within 100 meters of the ground it is met by a stream of positively charged particles that comes up from the ground.
  53. complete
    having all necessary qualities
    When the negatively and positively charged streams meet, a complete channel connecting the cloud and the ground is formed.
  54. visible
    capable of being seen or open to easy view
    The channel is only a few centimeters in diameter, but that is wide enough for electrons to follow the channel to the ground in the visible form of a flash of lightning.
  55. positive
    characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance
    The stream of positive particles that meets the surge of electrons from the cloud often arises from a tall pointed structure such as a metal flagpole or a tower.
  56. arise
    move upward
    The stream of positive particles that meets the surge of electrons from the cloud often arises from a tall pointed structure such as a metal flagpole or a tower.
  57. tower
    a structure taller than its diameter
    The stream of positive particles that meets the surge of electrons from the cloud often arises from a tall pointed structure such as a metal flagpole or a tower.
  58. subsequent
    following in time or order
    That is why the subsequent lightning that follows the completed channel often strikes a tall structure.
  59. consist
    have its essential character
    Once a channel has been formed, it is usually used by several lightning discharges, each of them consisting of a stream of electrons from the cloud meeting a stream of positive particles along the established path.
  60. established
    brought about or set up or accepted
    Once a channel has been formed, it is usually used by several lightning discharges, each of them consisting of a stream of electrons from the cloud meeting a stream of positive particles along the established path.
  61. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    According to paragraph 1, all of the following take place in the development of a flash of lightening except  great tension between two oppositely charged regions  an increase in negatively charged particles over positively charged particles  oppositely charged particles coming together  the release of electrical energy in the form of visible light 2.
  62. paragraph
    one of several distinct subdivisions of a text
    According to paragraph 1, all of the following take place in the development of a flash of lightening except  great tension between two oppositely charged regions  an increase in negatively charged particles over positively charged particles  oppositely charged particles coming together  the release of electrical energy in the form of visible light 2.
  63. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    According to paragraph 1, all of the following take place in the development of a flash of lightening except  great tension between two oppositely charged regions  an increase in negatively charged particles over positively charged particles  oppositely charged particles coming together  the release of electrical energy in the form of visible light 2.
  64. passage
    the act of moving from one state or place to the next
    The word “tremendous” in the passage is closest in meaning to  distinct  growing  huge  immediate
  65. meaning
    the message that is intended or expressed or signified
    The word “tremendous” in the passage is closest in meaning to  distinct  growing  huge  immediate
  66. distinct
    constituting a separate entity or part
    The word “tremendous” in the passage is closest in meaning to  distinct  growing  huge  immediate
  67. concentrated
    gathered together or made less diffuse
     Becoming concentrated in the central region of the cloud
  68. reject
    refuse to accept or acknowledge
    The word “acquire” in the passage is closest in meaning to  reject  obtain  need  produce 5.
  69. obtain
    come into possession of
    The word “acquire” in the passage is closest in meaning to  reject  obtain  need  produce 5.
  70. author
    a person who writes professionally
    The author remarks that “Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive” in order to explain why  this form of lightning has been investigated so much  this form of lightning is not as common as lightning within a cloud  scientific understanding of this form of lightning is important  the buildup of positive charge on the ground beneath a storm cloud can have serious consequences
  71. remark
    make or write a comment on
    The author remarks that “Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive” in order to explain why  this form of lightning has been investigated so much  this form of lightning is not as common as lightning within a cloud  scientific understanding of this form of lightning is important  the buildup of positive charge on the ground beneath a storm cloud can have serious consequences
  72. investigate
    conduct an inquiry of
    The author remarks that “Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive” in order to explain why  this form of lightning has been investigated so much  this form of lightning is not as common as lightning within a cloud  scientific understanding of this form of lightning is important  the buildup of positive charge on the ground beneath a storm cloud can have serious consequences
  73. understanding
    the condition of someone who knows and comprehends
    The author remarks that “Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive” in order to explain why  this form of lightning has been investigated so much  this form of lightning is not as common as lightning within a cloud  scientific understanding of this form of lightning is important  the buildup of positive charge on the ground beneath a storm cloud can have serious consequences
  74. serious
    of great consequence
    The author remarks that “Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive” in order to explain why  this form of lightning has been investigated so much  this form of lightning is not as common as lightning within a cloud  scientific understanding of this form of lightning is important  the buildup of positive charge on the ground beneath a storm cloud can have serious consequences
  75. consequence
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
    The author remarks that “Lightning that strikes the ground is the most likely to be destructive” in order to explain why  this form of lightning has been investigated so much  this form of lightning is not as common as lightning within a cloud  scientific understanding of this form of lightning is important  the buildup of positive charge on the ground beneath a storm cloud can have serious consequences
  76. electrify
    equip for use with charged energy
    The word “illuminates” in the passage is closet in meaning to  opens  completes  lights  electrifies
  77. prevent
    keep from happening or arising; make impossible
     It prevents streams of electrons from the cloud from striking the ground.
  78. initial
    occurring at the beginning
     It widens the path made by the initial stream of electrons from the cloud.
  79. claim
    assert or affirm strongly
    Which of the following claims about lightning strikes can be inferred from paragraph 5?
  80. infer
    conclude by reasoning
    Which of the following claims about lightning strikes can be inferred from paragraph 5?
  81. occupy
    live in (a certain place)
    It can be inferred from paragraph 2 that part of the reason that the top of a storm cloud becomes positively charged is that  the top of the cloud is warmer than the middle of the cloud  the middle of the cloud is already occupied by positively charged particles  the negatively charged ice pellets are too heavy to be carried by the updrafts that move ice crystals  collisions between ice pellets in the top of the cloud produce mainly positively charged particles 12.
  82. intensified
    made more sharp
    The word “initiated” is closet in meaning to  started  intensified  finished  expected
  83. finish
    come or bring to an end
    The word “initiated” is closet in meaning to  started  intensified  finished  expected
  84. indicate
    designate a place, direction, person, or thing
    Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
  85. sentence
    a string of words satisfying grammatical rules of a language
    Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
  86. descend
    move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
    The descending stream of electrons divides at the point where the new positive-stream channel intersects the established path.
  87. divide
    a serious disagreement between two groups of people
    The descending stream of electrons divides at the point where the new positive-stream channel intersects the established path.
  88. direction
    a line leading to a place or point
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  89. brief
    of short duration or distance
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  90. summary
    a brief statement that presents the main points
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  91. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  92. select
    pick out or choose from a number of alternatives
    Complete the summary by selecting the THERR answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
  93. minor
    inferior in number or size or amount
    Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage.
  94. layer
    a single thickness of some substance or material
     A storm cloud first develops a positively charged layer at the top, then a negatively charged middle layer, and finally, a positively charged layer at the bottom.
  95. successive
    following in order without gaps
     Once a channel has been formed, it is usually used by several successive electrical discharges that illuminate the channel as flashes of lightning. 参考答案： 1． B 2． C 3． A 4． B 5． D 6． D 7． A 8． C 9． B 10． C 11． C 12． A 13． C 14． A separation of …
Created on Sat Feb 16 21:07:38 EST 2013

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