Question

Which phrase best defines the term cast as it is used at the end of paragraph 2? Use context clues as a guide.

A. throw metal into an oven to melt it
B. sculpt an image using chisels and hammers
C. boil metal in a cauldron to cause bubbles to form
D. shape metal by melting it and pouring it into a mold

Answer 1

The term 'cast' refers to the process of shaping metal by melting and pouring it into a mold, specifically in the context of lost-wax casting used in the creation of sculptures and metal tools since 4000 BCE.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term cast as used at the end of paragraph 2 best defines the process of shaping metal by melting it and pouring it into a mold. This process is known as lost-wax casting, a technique with historical significance dating back to 4000 BCE. The steps involve creating a model in clay, covering it with wax, then enclosing it with a plaster or clay shell. After heating, the wax melts away, leaving a cavity into which molten metal is poured.

Once cooled, the metal solidifies into the desired shape, replicating the initial clay model exactly. This method was used to create intricate sculptures and tools, and it revolutionized the way metal objects were produced, impacting societal advancements. Today, although modern materials permit the construction of reusable molds, the basic premise remains the same—liquid metal is poured into a hollow cavity to create a durable, precisely shaped object.