Palladium, a soft shiny silvery-white metal, is one of six platinum group metals and is relatively rare. It was discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. Palladium often replaces platinum since it is cheaper, harder and lighter. It can be drawn into wire or hammered out into sheets, it is often mixed with gold for "white gold" jewelry. Palladium can also be used to make surgical instruments. Automobile manufacturers need the world's palladium for catalytic converters. Along with gold, silver, and platinum, palladium is a precious metal owned and traded by investors.
Which question is most effectively answered by this passage?
A)How is palladium mined?
B)What are precious metals?
C)Who is William Hyde Wollaston?
D)What is palladium?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question most effectively answered by this passage is "What is palladium?". The passage describes the metal, when it was discovered, how it is used, and where and how it is mined. There is little elaboration on these points and the author provides only an overview for readers who may be unfamiliar with the metal.

Palladium, a Soft Shiny Silvery-White Metal, Is One of Six