Final answer:
To change sentence 4 to passive voice, the correct form is: 'An eruption of smoke that filled the air was caused by the mixture of chemicals.' Passive voice is used in scientific writing for neutrality, especially in methods and results sections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking how to change a sentence from active voice to passive voice. The sentence in question is provided in a narrative form where a mixture of chemicals caused a plume of smoke. In active voice, the subject performs the action, while in passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. To change the sentence to passive voice, the correct transformation would be: 'An eruption of smoke that filled the air was caused by the mixture of chemicals.'
Using passive voice in scientific writing can sometimes be appropriate to focus on the action rather than the actor. This is particularly common in methods and results sections of scientific reports, where objectivity and neutrality are essential. However, active voice is typically encouraged in the interpretative sections, such as the introduction and conclusion, as it can make the text more engaging and direct.