While researching the Higgs boson discovery, a student has taken the following notes:
• The Higgs boson was theoretically predicted by Peter Higgs in 1964 • Scientists confirmed its existence using CERN's Large Hadron Collider in 2012 • The Higgs boson helps explain why particles have mass • The discovery involved analyzing collisions of protons at nearly the speed of light • Peter Higgs and François Englert won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics
The student wants to emphasize the significance of the 2012 discovery. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
After nearly 50 years of searching, scientists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson in 2012, validating a theory that explains why particles have mass.
Peter Higgs first predicted the existence of the particle that bears his name in 1964, and he shared the 2013 Nobel Prize with François Englert.
The Large Hadron Collider at CERN analyzes collisions of protons traveling at nearly the speed of light to detect subatomic particles.
Peter Higgs and François Englert received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013 for their theoretical work on the particle named after Higgs.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The goal is to emphasize the significance of the 2012 discovery.
- Context clues: The goal asks for "significance of the 2012 discovery."
- Meaning: Long search (1964-2012), CERN confirmation, explains mass.
- Verify: Choice A shows the 48-year journey and the discovery's importance (explaining mass).
💡 Strategy: To emphasize significance, show what the discovery accomplished and why it matters.
Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the prediction and prize, not the discovery itself. Choice C is incorrect because it describes the equipment, not the discovery's significance. Choice D is incorrect because it focuses on the Nobel Prize, not the discovery.