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Set 9: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the holographic principle in physics. The student wants to explain the counterintuitive idea that three-dimensional space may be encoded on a two-dimensional surface. Notes: - Black hole entropy is proportional to surface area, not volume. - This suggests information is stored on boundaries, not in bulk. - The universe might work like a hologram: 3D projected from 2D. - Some string theory calculations support this interpretation.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?

A. String theory attempts to unify the fundamental forces of physics.
B. Modern physics has produced many counterintuitive theories about reality.
C. The holographic principle proposes that 3D space is encoded on 2D surfaces: black hole entropy scaling with area rather than volume suggests information resides on boundaries, implying the universe may work like a hologram—a view supported by string theory.✓ Correct
D. Black holes have fascinated physicists since they were first theorized.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is the COUNTERINTUITIVE idea of 3D encoded on 2D. Black hole entropy, boundary information, and hologram analogy explain this. The correct synthesis will use relevant details from the notes in a logical, purposeful way. Focus on what the question asks you to accomplish, then choose the answer that best achieves that goal using the provided information. Effective synthesis requires selecting and combining the most relevant information to achieve a specific purpose. Not all provided notes may be equally useful. Focus on what best accomplishes the stated goal while maintaining logical coherence.

Key Evidence:

• "explain the counterintuitive idea that three-dimensional space may be encoded on a two-dimensional surface"

• "entropy is proportional to surface area, not volume"

• "information is stored on boundaries"

• "universe might work like a hologram: 3D projected from 2D"

Why others are wrong: D (Not in notes; discusses fascination, not the principle.), A (Mentions string theory role but not the holographic principle itself.), B (Notes counterintuition but doesn't explain this specific idea.).

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