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Difficulty:
95%
(hard)
Question Stats:
20% (01:52) correct
80%
(02:21)
wrong
based on 49
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
A new type of high-strength polymer has been developed, which its manufacturers claim is significantly more durable than conventional metals used in aircraft structures. They argue that, because the polymer does not corrode and has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminum, it will soon replace metals as the primary material for aircraft fuselage construction.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
(A) The new polymer is highly resistant to corrosion but degrades rapidly when exposed to extreme temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.
(B) Although the polymer has a high strength-to-weight ratio, it lacks the necessary flexibility to withstand the stress cycles experienced in commercial aircraft operation.
(C) The cost of producing and certifying the polymer for aviation use is significantly higher than that of conventional metals, making widespread adoption unlikely.
(D) Leading aerospace companies have successfully integrated polymer-based materials in secondary aircraft structures but have not yet approved their use in primary fuselage construction.
(E) While the polymer is stronger than aluminum in static tests, it tends to develop microscopic cracks under repeated stress, which could compromise long-term safety.
Answer Explanation:
The argument assumes that because the polymer is strong and does not corrode, it will soon replace metals in aircraft fuselage construction. The correct answer must directly challenge the feasibility of this transition.
(A) weakens the argument by showing that the polymer has other environmental vulnerabilities that could limit its use.
(B) is strong because it highlights a crucial limitation—aircraft materials must endure cyclic loading, and if the polymer is too rigid, it may not be suitable.
(C) is a good answer but focuses on cost rather than technical feasibility; while cost is a barrier, it does not directly contradict the claim about durability.
(D) suggests limited adoption but does not necessarily refute the claim that polymers will soon replace metals.
(E) is the strongest answer, as it directly contradicts the claim about durability by showing that the polymer may develop cracks under stress, a critical issue for aircraft safety.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
(A) The new polymer is highly resistant to corrosion but degrades rapidly when exposed to extreme temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.
(B) Although the polymer has a high strength-to-weight ratio, it lacks the necessary flexibility to withstand the stress cycles experienced in commercial aircraft operation.
(C) The cost of producing and certifying the polymer for aviation use is significantly higher than that of conventional metals, making widespread adoption unlikely.
(D) Leading aerospace companies have successfully integrated polymer-based materials in secondary aircraft structures but have not yet approved their use in primary fuselage construction.
(E) While the polymer is stronger than aluminum in static tests, it tends to develop microscopic cracks under repeated stress, which could compromise long-term safety.
Answer Explanation:
The argument assumes that because the polymer is strong and does not corrode, it will soon replace metals in aircraft fuselage construction. The correct answer must directly challenge the feasibility of this transition.
(A) weakens the argument by showing that the polymer has other environmental vulnerabilities that could limit its use.
(B) is strong because it highlights a crucial limitation—aircraft materials must endure cyclic loading, and if the polymer is too rigid, it may not be suitable.
(C) is a good answer but focuses on cost rather than technical feasibility; while cost is a barrier, it does not directly contradict the claim about durability.
(D) suggests limited adoption but does not necessarily refute the claim that polymers will soon replace metals.
(E) is the strongest answer, as it directly contradicts the claim about durability by showing that the polymer may develop cracks under stress, a critical issue for aircraft safety.
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