Question

questions 1-2 are an example of a science passage and are based on the following passage. this passage is adapted from an essay about the characteristics of lunar eclipses. many people are aware of the beauty of a solar eclipse, but are surprised to learn that lunar eclipses are often just as spectacular and are both more common and easier to observe. the filtering and refraction of light from the earth’s atmosphere during a lunar eclipse creates stunning color effects that range from dark brown to red, orange, and yellow. each of these light shows is unique since they are the result of the amount of dust and cloud cover in the earth’s atmosphere at the time of the eclipse. while total solar eclipses last only for a few minutes and can be seen only in a small area of a few kilo- meters, total lunar eclipses can last for several hours and can be seen over much of the planet. in fact, the beauty and stability of lunar eclipses make them a favorite of both amateur and professional photographers. lunar eclipses generally occur two to three times a year and are possible only when the moon is in its full phase. when we see the moon, we are actually seeing sunlight reflected off the surface of the moon. when the earth is positioned in between the moon and the sun, however, the earth’s shadow falls on the moon and a lunar eclipse occurs. to better understand this process, it’s helpful to imagine the earth’s shadow on the moon as a pair of nested cones, with the earth at the apex of the cones, and the moon at their bases. the outer, more diffuse cone of shadow is called the penumbral shadow, while the inner, darker cone is the umbral shadow. 1. according to the passage, the colors of a lunar eclipse are the result of (a) the penumbral shadow. (b) the stability of lunar eclipses. (c) filtering and refraction of light. (d) the sunlight reflected off the moon. 2. in lines 26-27, the phrase “pair of nested cones” serves to (a) offer support for a previous statement. (b) describe the diffraction of light through the atmosphere.

Explanation:

1. The passage states that "The filtering and refraction of light from the Earth’s atmosphere during a lunar eclipse creates stunning color effects". So the colors of a lunar eclipse are due to filtering and refraction of light.
2. The phrase "pair of nested cones" is used to help better understand the process of a lunar - eclipse by imagining the Earth's shadow on the Moon in this way. It is used to offer support for the previous statement about the Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse.

Answer:

1. C. filtering and refraction of light
2. A. offer support for a previous statement