PrepTest 136, Section 1, Question 24
Advances in scientific understanding often do not build(475 more words not shown)
The most likely reason that(27 more words not shown)
- Awas dependent upon(6 more words not shown)
- Bpaved the way(10 more words not shown)
- Cproved that the(6 more words not shown)
- Dconfirmed their earlier(7 more words not shown)
- Ecame after years(11 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The theoretical physicists had calculated that atoms could be split. Meitner later recognized that the experiments had actually done it. That's a straightforward reason for them to be pleased: a possibility their earlier work predicted now had experimental confirmation. We need the connection between their prediction and her insight, not a separate benefit that merely sounds good for physicists.
Working the answers
- A
We're not told that Meitner's insight depended on these particular calculations. Confirming an earlier prediction is different from needing to use the calculations that produced it.
- B
No problem with the international acceptance of theoretical physics is described. The researchers' locations don't supply that missing claim.
- C
Showing that atoms can be split in these experiments doesn't establish that atomic nuclei are generally unstable. The evidence supports the specific possibility the earlier physicists had calculated.
- DCorrect
Their earlier work indicated that splitting atoms was possible; Meitner explained that it had happened. Her insight confirmed the prediction that made their work relevant to this history.
- E
We aren't told that her insight resulted from her spending years analyzing the specified data. More importantly, the elapsed time isn't what connects the insight to these theoretical physicists' work. Its confirmation of their prediction is.
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