PrepTest 115, Section 3, Question 22
With the approach of the twentieth century, the(454 more words not shown)
The primary function of the(8 more words not shown)
- Adescribe the process(11 more words not shown)
- Bintroduce a central(17 more words not shown)
- Cexplain two competing(9 more words not shown)
- Ddescribe the process(10 more words not shown)
- Eprovide the basis(9 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The first paragraph introduces the theory and its smooth-energy assumption. The second spells out the problem: physicists predicted much short-wavelength radiation but found almost none.
What we’re looking for
So I'd predict an explanation of the theory followed by the evidence that creates trouble for it. Planck's response comes later.
Working the answers
- A
No competing theory appears in these two paragraphs. They establish the mismatch between the old theory and observations, before introducing the new account.
- BCorrect
The smooth continuum is the central assumption, and the blackbody experiments supply the challenging evidence. “Overthrowing” describes where that evidence leads in the full account; the opening paragraphs establish the basis for the changes that follow.
- C
We have one theory and evidence that conflicts with its prediction. An experimental result isn't a second theory.
- D
The paragraphs don't describe retesting after ambiguous results. They explain the original prediction and the finding that contradicts it: the expected radiation is almost absent.
- E
The evidence challenges an established theory, not the new one. Planck's hypothesis appears afterward as a response to the problem.
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