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Set 6: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. The student wants to explain its proposal and what it claims to solve. Notes: - The interpretation proposes all quantum possibilities actually occur. - Each possibility exists in a separate branching universe. - This eliminates the need for wave function collapse. - It avoids measurement problem but introduces countless parallel worlds.

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

A. The concept of parallel universes has appeared in many science fiction stories.
B. Quantum superposition allows particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously.
C. The many-worlds interpretation proposes that all quantum possibilities actually occur in separate branching universes—eliminating wave function collapse and solving the measurement problem, though at the cost of accepting countless parallel worlds.✓ Correct
D. Quantum mechanics has multiple interpretations that physicists debate.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal requires PROPOSAL AND what it claims to solve. All possibilities in branching universes (proposal) + eliminates collapse/solves measurement (solves). 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 its proposal and what it claims to solve"

• "all quantum possibilities actually occur"

• "in a separate branching universe"

• "eliminates the need for wave function collapse"

• "avoids measurement problem"

Why others are wrong: A (Not in notes; discusses science fiction, not the interpretation.), D (Notes debate exists but doesn't explain this interpretation.), B (Explains superposition but not the many-worlds proposal/solution.).

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