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Set 9: Rhetorical Synthesis (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. The student wants to articulate why this problem is considered unsolved. Notes: - Quantum systems exist in superposition until measured. - The measurement process somehow selects a definite outcome. - No one knows exactly what constitutes a 'measurement.' - Different interpretations disagree on what happens during collapse.

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

A. Physicists continue to study the behavior of particles at the quantum scale.
B. The measurement problem remains unsolved because while we know measurement selects definite outcomes from superposition, no one can precisely define what constitutes a 'measurement,' and interpretations fundamentally disagree about what occurs during quantum collapse.✓ Correct
C. Quantum mechanics has many practical applications in technology.
D. Schrödinger's cat thought experiment illustrates quantum superposition.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is WHY it's considered UNSOLVED. Undefined 'measurement' and disagreeing interpretations explain the unsolved status. 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:

• "why this problem is considered unsolved"

• "measurement process somehow selects"

• "No one knows exactly what constitutes a 'measurement'"

• "Different interpretations disagree"

Why others are wrong: C (Not in notes; discusses applications, not the problem.), D (Not in notes; mentions thought experiment, not why unsolved.), A (General statement; doesn't articulate why unsolved.).

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