Understanding Sentence Ordering for Temperature Passage

This question tests your ability to arrange jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph. You are given the first sentence (S1) and the last sentence (S6) of a passage about temperature. The sentences P, Q, R, and S need to be placed in the correct order between S1 and S6 to form a logical flow.

Analyzing the Sentences

Let's break down each sentence to understand its meaning and potential connections:

• S1: Temperature indicates the relative degree of molecular activity, or heat, of a substance. (Introduces the basic definition of temperature).
• P: Temperature is an index of sensible heat, not a direct measure of the quantity of energy. (Clarifies the definition provided in S1, distinguishing it from total heat energy).
• Q: Zero on this scale is the 'triple point' temperature, at which the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of water are at equilibrium under standard atmospheric pressure. (Describes a specific reference point on a temperature scale).
• R: If heat flows from one body to another, the former has the higher temperature. (Explains a fundamental principle related to temperature and heat transfer).
• S: To indicate the temperature of a body, an arbitrary scale of reference is employed. (Introduces the concept of measurement scales for temperature).
• S6: The boiling point of water under standard conditions is at 100 degrees Centigrade. (Provides a common example of a temperature measurement).

Step-by-Step Solution for Passage Reconstruction

We need to find the order of P, Q, R, S that logically connects S1 and S6.

1. Start with S1: "Temperature indicates the relative degree of molecular activity, or heat, of a substance." This sets the topic.
2. Connect P: Sentence P logically follows S1 by further defining temperature: "Temperature is an index of sensible heat, not a direct measure of the quantity of energy." This clarifies what temperature represents.
3. Connect R: Sentence R explains a consequence of temperature differences: "If heat flows from one body to another, the former has the higher temperature." This relates directly to the concept of heat and temperature established in S1 and P.
4. Connect S: After discussing what temperature is and its relation to heat flow, sentence S introduces how we measure it: "To indicate the temperature of a body, an arbitrary scale of reference is employed." This naturally follows the discussion of temperature concepts.
5. Connect Q: Sentence Q elaborates on the "scale of reference" mentioned in S: "Zero on this scale is the 'triple point' temperature, at which the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of water are at equilibrium under standard atmospheric pressure." This provides a specific example of a reference point on a scale.
6. End with S6: Sentence S6 concludes with another common temperature measurement: "The boiling point of water under standard conditions is at 100 degrees Centigrade." This fits well after discussing temperature scales and reference points.

Therefore, the correct sequence for the middle sentences is P, R, S, Q.

Final Passage Order

Combining S1, the derived order (PRSQ), and S6 gives the complete, logical passage:

S1: Temperature indicates the relative degree of molecular activity, or heat, of a substance.
P: Temperature is an index of sensible heat, not a direct measure of the quantity of energy.
R: If heat flows from one body to another, the former has the higher temperature.
S: To indicate the temperature of a body, an arbitrary scale of reference is employed.
Q: Zero on this scale is the 'triple point' temperature, at which the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of water are at equilibrium under standard atmospheric pressure.
S6: The boiling point of water under standard conditions is at 100 degrees Centigrade.

The correct option is the one that lists the sentences in the order PRSQ.