Question

read the passage. there are several questions about this passage.
from cats, calamities, and static cling
1
have you ever wondered why, on some days, cats lick themselves more vigorously than on others? i suspect not. but their licking rate is indeed variable. and it just might have to do with the animal’s fear of getting an electric shock. unfortunately for felines, cat fur loses electrons very readily, and therein lies a problem. anytime a cat rubs up against something—and they do a lot of rubbing up—electrons are transferred from the cat to the object, leaving the cat positively charged. when the animal now comes close to items that are good electrical conductors and therefore readily give up electrons, it is subjected to an electrifying experience. a spark, which is nothing more than a stream of electrons, can jump from the item to the cat. and then the cat jumps. unless it has engaged in some preventative licking.
2
the buildup of static electricity is less likely when there is moisture in the air, due to a couple of factors. water in the air makes the air more conductive, making for an easier dissipation of any charge that has built up. furthermore, water molecules, being polar, also bind to the charged material. polar means that within the molecule electrons are distributed in a fashion so as to make the oxygen atom slightly negative and the hydrogen atoms slightly positive. cat fur being positively charged attracts the negative end of water molecules, which means the positive charge is partially neutralized, making the fur less attractive to any source of electrons. the risk of a spark is diminished. when humidity is low, the cat has to use saliva to moisten its fur to prevent being shocked. since low humidity is usually associated with good weather, a cat licking itself with increased enthusiasm is a sign that rain is not likely. if you prefer not to use your cat as a barometer, a little spray with water will do the trick. but you may lose some affection.
what is the relationship between synthetic fibers and technologies that involve nanoparticles?

1. nanoparticle technologies are used to make synthetic fibers that absorb moisture as well as silk, cotton, rayon, and wool fibers do.
2. nanoparticle coatings are based upon processes that were originally used to produce synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic for clothing.
3. synthetic fibers and nanoparticle coatings are both types of human - made materials, and both have been designed to easily gain and lose electrons.
4. synthetic fibers are prone to static charge buildup, and nanoparticle technologies have been developed to help synthetics resist this buildup of static electricity.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The passage doesn't mention nanoparticle tech being used to make synthetic fibers absorb moisture like natural fibers. Eliminate.
• Option 2: There's no info that nanoparticle coatings are based on synthetic fiber production processes. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The passage doesn't state both are designed to gain/lose electrons easily. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Synthetic fibers (like cat fur's static issue parallel) are prone to static. Nanoparticle tech can help resist static buildup, which aligns with the static - related context in the passage.

Answer:

1. Synthetic fibers are prone to static charge buildup, and nanoparticle technologies have been developed to help synthetics resist this buildup of static electricity.