阅读理解
Mya Le Thai is a scientist studying at the University of
California. She recently discovered a process that may result in batteries that
last forever. Thai said she had been frustrated that the batteries for her
wireless devices degrade(退化). Over time, they fail to
charge fully. She decided to do something about that problem.
At first, she and her team thought about inventing a new
battery. But as they experimented, Thai discovered something that might permit
lithium-ion batteries(锂电池) to last forever.
Lithium-ion batteries power most wireless devices. Over time, the batteries
lose the ability to hold a charge. One of the reasons lithium-ion batteries
degrade is their use of nanowires(纳米线) to carry electricity.
Nanowires are extremely thin. Nanowires are extremely efficient carriers of
electricity, which makes them useful in batteries. But Thai said their thinness
also makes them weak. "Nanowires break over time," she said.
"That's why they lose capacity."
But, Thai had a theory: The nanowires might last longer if
covered with a gel(凝胶). She and the team tested
her theory. The team tried many coverings for the wires. PMMA was one of them.
The PMMA coated nanowires showed no evidence of damage. The results suggest
that batteries could last forever, without losing charging ability. Thai hopes
to continue her research to understand why this gel works so well and to see if
any other gel could create better results.
Mya Le Thai told VOA she is enjoying the publicity about
her discovery. She said she never expected her research to get media coverage.
"It's kind of cool," she said. "I'm really glad people are
showing interest in my work and not just in the work itself, but also in
technology and energy."
(1)
Why did Mya Le Thai make up her mind to settle the problem about her wireless devices degrade?
A . Because her wireless devices couldn't work at all.
B . Because she discovered a new kind of battery.
C . Because the batteries for her wireless devices couldn't last long.
D . Because she wanted to show her new research.
(2)
What prevents lithium-ion batteries from lasting forever?
A . PMMA.
B . Nanowires.
C . Electricity.
D . Power.
(3)
How can the scientist make the nanowires last longer?
A . By using a gel to cover them.
B . By cutting them shorter.
C . By making them longer.
D . By using a gel to make wire.
(4)
What kind of person is Mya Le Thai?
A . Generous and wise.
B . Honest and wise.
C . Honest and hard-working.
D . Modest and creative.
答案: C
B
A
D