Electronic computer chips made of tiny silicon wafers now regularly co

Question

Electronic computer chips made of tiny silicon wafers now regularly contain millions of electronic switches. Unfortunately, electronic switches that are this small cannot withstand intense radiation. Micro-Mechanics plans to produce a chip that, because it uses only microscopic mechanical switches, will be invulnerable to radiation damage. The switches will, however, be slower than electronic switches and the chip will contain only 12,000 switches.

For there to be a market for Micro-Mechanics’ chip as a result of the apparent advantage described above, each of the following would have to be true EXCEPT:

For there to be a market for Micro-Mechanics’ chip as a result of the apparent advantage described above, each of the following would have to be true EXCEPT:

(A) There will be applications in which the speed attainable by an electronic switch is not essential.

(B) Switches used on electronic chips that contain only 12,000 switches are more vulnerable to radiation damage than the switches on Micro-Mechanics’ chip will be.

(C) There will be applications for computer chips in environments where the chips may have to survive intense radiation.

(D) Some devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation.

(E) Manufacturers are able to protect electronic computer chips against exposure to intense radiation, where this protection is necessary.

Source  :  GMATPrep Default Exam Pack

egmat · Accepted Answer

Hi, I see some great attempts above on the explanations for different answer choices. However, I think we need a better understanding of this question. This is one of those Official questions, which defy any categorization and thus tries to challenge the real understanding of the basic concepts. Let's begin with the passage. Understanding the Passage: 1. Electronic computer chips now regularly contain millions of electronic switches. 2. Electronic switches that are this small cannot withstand intense radiation. 3. Microscopic mechanical switches, still to be introduced, will be invulnerable to radiation damage. 4. The MM (Micro Mechanical) switches will, however, be slower than electronic switches 5. The MM chip will contain only 12,000 switches (as compared to millions of electronic switches) So, we have one advantage of MM switches over electronic switches : MM switches are invulnerable to radiation unlike electronic switches Also, we have one disadvatange of MM switches over electronic switches : MM switches are slower than electronic switches In addition, there is one more different between the two : There can be millions of electronic switches on a chip whereas there can only be 12000 mechanical switches on a chip. Now, let's understand the question stem: Understanding the Question Stem: For there to be a market for Micro-Mechanics’ chip as a result of the apparent advantage described above, each of the following would have to be true EXCEPT: It means we have to find an option statement which does not have to be true for there to be a market for Micro-mechanics chip. So, this is a question where we should expect four strengtheners and one non-strengthener (A non-strengthener may have no impact on the conclusion or it may weaken the conclusion). Since this an "EXCEPT" question type where we expect to find four strengtheners, there is no point prethinking the correct answer choice (The correct answer choice will either have no impact or weaken the conclusion). Let's directly look at the option statements: Analysis of Option Statements: A. There will be applications in which the speed attainable by an electronic switch is not essential . - This option takes care of the disadvantage of MM switches. This option statement basically says that we can have speeds slower than attained by electronic switches - this opens up the possibility of the market for MM switches, which have slower speeds than electronic switches. This is a VALID STRENGTHENER. B. Switches used on electronic chips that contain only 12,000 switches are more vulnerable to radiation damage than the switches on Micro-Mechanics’ chip will be . - This option statement tries to make a like-comparison between chips based on electronic switches and chips based on MM switches. Since MM switches can have only 12000 MM switches, it makes a comparison between MM chips and electronic chips with 12000 switches and says that MM chips have an advantage there due to their radiation-resistance. This is a VALID STRENGTHENER. C. There will be applications for computer chips in environments where the chips may have to survive intense radiation. - This says that there are applications where intense radiations need to be survived through. We are given that MM switches do much better job in such situations than electronic switches. Therefore, this option also strengthens that there will exist a market for MM chips or switches. This is a VALID STRENGTHENER. D. Some devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation. - This is actually a necessary condition for there to be a market for MM chips. Wondering why? The reason is that if there is no device whose components can work after exposure to radiation, then even if we replace electronic switches with MM switches, the device will not work (because other components are not working). In such a case, the market for MM switches will not exist. Therefore, this statement is not only a strengthener but also a necessary condition (or an assumption). E. Manufacturers are able to protect electronic computer chips against exposure to intense radiation, where this protection is necessary. - This means that the only advantage MM switches had over electronic switches is not an advantage actually because manufacturers can protect electronic switches, wherever necessary. This statement actually weakens the statement that there will be a market for MM chips. This statement is a WEAKENER. Therefore , CORRECT . Some of us may have doubts whether the correct choice must be weakener with the given question stem. The answer is No. It may have been some arbitrary statement which does not impact the conclusion. However, GMAT generally plays safe in many scenarios - In this case also, by providing a weakener, it makes sure that there are no doubts about the correct answer choice. Hope this helps

Thanks, Chiranjeev

amp0201 · Answer

Answer is E.
The question is which point will weaken the argument.
B and C can be completely eliminated as they are trying to strengthen the argument. They are advantage to the Micro-Mechanics chip.

Now between A, D and E, point E strongly will be a disadvantage for the Micro-Mechanics chip. If the manufacturers are able to provide the protection against the intense radiation, there will be no need for Micro-mechanics chip. Hence E.

Now why not D - D says some components in computer will be able to survive against the exposure of radiation. What about the other components? If all the components were able to survive against the radiation, then it would have been an apparent advantage for Electronic chips.

Hence answer is not D, but E.

BMindful · Answer

Electronic chip: contains million of electronic switches,cannot stand intense radiation.
New chip(Micro-Mechanics’ chip): slower, contain only 12,000 (microscopic mechanical )switches, more invulnerable to radiation.

Rephrase the Q.: what is the asssumption for the new chip to be sucessful,EXCEPT.

In A, negate the choice, If the slowness is important factor for purchase--> noone buy.
In B, simply said that microscopic mechanical switch is more invulnerable that Elec switch (holding the quantity(12,000) the same)-> must be true to be sucessful.
In C, must hold true. It is the objective of inventing the new chip. If it is not held true, no need to invent then and wont be sucessful.
In D, negate the choice. If D is not hold, then the new chip wont work anyway because of other obstacle (other devices). Then, the new chip wont be successful.
No need to hold E, since the new chip is made to be invulnerable to the intense radiation.

My ans is E

manimgoindown · Answer

e-gmat that was an excellent response!

I have a few questions though. What if the question stem read each of the following would be false except (this is acceptable on the lsat)
how would negating the answer choices as you did with D change what we're looking for? Would we be looking for a strengtherner instead?

Another question I would ask is what are some modifiers and their negations? For the following

ALL X
SOME X
NONE X

egmat · Answer

Hi, Thanks for the compliment. If the question stem had asked that "Each of the following would have to be false EXCEPT", then I would expect 4 weakeners and 1 non-weakener. Just like in the case non-strengthener, a non-weakener can either strengthen the conclusion or have no impact. So, in such a question, you should not compulsorily look for a strengthener, a random statement having no impact on the conclusion would be a valid answer choice. Negation of All X - Not All X - Atleast one not X - Some not X Negation of Some X - No X - X does not exist - Not even a single X Negation of None X - At least one X - Some X Negation and Negation test is covered in detail in e-GMAT "Assumption" Concept. Even though this concept is not part of the free trial, there are a good number of concepts as part of free trial, both in CR and SC. You can register for free at https://www.e-gmat.com Thanks

Chiranjeev

egmat · Answer

By the way, here's an article on negation. I forgot to mention in the last post: article-what-and-how-to-negate-4-exercise-questions-138510.html Thanks

Chiranjeev

JusTLucK04 · Answer

Can you please explain what is meant by 'would have to be true'...I took this for 'must be true' and had many contenders...
The answer suits better only if we say..each of the following if true will show the need of mechanical switches except

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear JusTLucK04 , I received your p.m. and am happy to respond. :-)

The structure " X has to be true " is identical in meaning to " ]X must be true ." The structure " would have to be true " puts this into the hypothetical realm. We don't know whether the mechanical switches will have a market, but in the hypothetical scenario in which they did have a market, what are those conditions that would be absolutely necessary in order to bring about that very scenario? This is essentially a " must be true except " question; it's just that the scenario about which they are talking, the scenario of the mechanical chips finding a market, hasn't happened yet and is not guaranteed to happen, so we must discuss everything about that scenario hypothetically. Does all this make sense? Mike :-)

JusTLucK04 · Answer

If it is so..Isn't D bit of a stretch..How should we know that to function properly these chips require some other working components in the instrument too
Is it a necessary condition?..COnfused Between D & E..but E is any day a better option..Still this is a Gmat prep question

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear JusTLucK04 , I'm happy to respond. :-)

Are you familiar with the Negation Tes t for Assumption questions? See: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2013/assumption ... -the-gmat/ We can use something very similar here. The possible scenario : there is a market for Micro-Mechanics’ chips with microscopic mechanical switches . If an answer MUST be true for this scenario to work, then when we take the negation of it, that would make the scenario impossible in some way -- it would be an objection or a weakener with respect to the scenario. Here's the prompt: Electronic computer chips made of tiny silicon wafers now regularly contain millions of electronic switches. Unfortunately, electronic switches that are this small cannot withstand intense radiation. Micro-Mechanics plans to produce a chip that, because it uses only microscopic mechanical switches, will be invulnerable to radiation damage. The switches will, however, be slower than electronic switches and the chip will contain only 12,000 switches. For there to be a market for Micro-Mechanics’ chip as a result of the apparent advantage described above, each of the following would have to be true EXCEPT: Now, let's consider negations of these two choices. D. Some devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation . NEGATION = All devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that absolutely cannot function during or after exposure to radiation . Well, if these devices are going to fail when they are exposed to radiation, because all the other components fail, then it wouldn't matter at all whether the chips were still working. Therefore, why would anyone be willing to buy radiation-proof chips to put them into devices that definitely will fail when exposed to radiation? That would be completely pointless. If we negate this, it absolutely destroys the scenario --- the scenario is simple not possible. Remember the opposite of " some " is " none ", and the opposite of " some ... not " is " all ". E . Manufacturers are able to protect electronic computer chips against exposure to intense radiation, where this protection is necessary. This one is interesting, because if this is true , then it would weaken the scenario. If manufacturers can protect the electronic chips from radiation, then that eliminates the risk of radiation. In that case, there would absolutely no reason to buy chips that could still function after exposure to radiation, because the entire problem of exposure to radiation had already been solve. Now, let's negate this: NEGATION = Manufacturers are not able to protect electronic computer chips against exposure to intense radiation, even where this protection is necessary. Well, if manufacturers cannot provide this protection, then exposure to radiation is a BIG problem, and Micro-Mechanics’ chips with microscopic mechanical switches would provide a huge solution for this BIG problem. Thus, there would be a gigantic market for them. For the one's that genuinely must be true, the negation constitutes an objection or weakener to the scenario, but the last one, (E), is completely the opposite. Answer (E) , in its original form, is a weakener, while its negation would strengthen the scenario. That's why (E) is the best answer. It's the only one that doesn't have to be true --- in fact, if it's negation is true, that would be considerably more helpful to the scenario. Does all this make sense? Mike :-)

shuvabrata88 · Answer

IMO (E)
The main reason to go for mechanical switches is their ability to sustain intense radiation. Now if electronic switches can be protected and hence used in such environment then market for mechanical switches might not exist.

GMATNinja · Answer

Regarding the question type... as explained  above  by mikemcgarry, the correct answer choice (E), if true, would actually weaken the argument that there is a market for Micro-Mechanics’ chip as a result of the apparent advantage described in the passage.

The argument that there is a market for Micro-Mechanics' chip depends on the assumptions in all of the other answer choices, but we are looking for an assumption that, if true, would actually weaken the argument.

Regardless, I wouldn't waste time worrying about how to categorize this question. After all, you'll never get a GMAT CR question asking you to select the  type  that best describes the question! The important thing is understanding the structure of the argument. Labeling the question won't make much of a difference.

As for choice (D), in order for there to be a market for the chips, we do not need ALL devices to require use of the chips. If there are SOME devices that will have computer chips and that will have other components that can survive exposure to radiation, then Micro-Mechanics' chip can potentially be used in those devices. Thus, choice (D) describes a potential market for the chip, supporting the argument that there is, in fact, a market for the chip.

Soul777 · Answer

Imagine an electronic chip and electronic switches attached to the chip. Even if manufacturers are able to protect the chip itself, it does not necessarily mean that the switch attached to the chip is protected. Hence, the chip itself is not damaged, but the switch is damaged and the system will not work.
Please, kindly explain why my thinking is wrong.

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear Soul777 , I'm happy to respond. :-)

My friend, your question is an excellent example of why outside knowledge, general knowledge about how the real world works, it absolutely crucial to the GMAT CR. See this blog article: GMAT Critical Reasoning and Outside Knowledge My friend, we live in a world in which virtually everything you do depends on computers--when you use your phone or a computer, drive a car, turn on anything electronic, plug in anything electric, even turn on a faucet or flush a toilet, you are tapping into something that rums on computer chips. They are everywhere. Have you ever seen a computer chip? This Wikipedia article has several pictures. A typical modern chip is about the size of a coin or smaller. The "switches" on it are microscopic, so small that one cannot even see them with one's eyes. These "switches" and all the wires of the circuit are welded directly onto the chip . There would be absolutely no way to protect the chip without protecting all the circuits on the chip. This would be like designing something that protected all your internal organs from radiation without protecting your skin--it would have to be something that went under your skin all over your body--ouch! It's much easier just to put on a radioactivity suit that protects all of you, outside and inside. Much in the same way, in practice, these manufacturers would put the chips and all the surrounding circuitry in some kind of outer lead casing that would block all the radiation to all the electronic parts. This is precisely what they have to do on spacecrafts, for example. My friend, get curious about the real world. If you are not actively learning about the real world around you, then unrealistic scenarios like the one you proposed will utterly bedevil you on the GMAT CR. Does all this make sense? Mike :-)

atr0038 · Answer

GMATNinja   mikemcgarry

I find both of your explanations to always be incredibly helpful and insightful. I missed this question on a practice exam, and while I was going back to review it, I became even more confused. I chose answer choice B, because I didn't think it was possible for the electronic computer chips to contain only 12,000 electronic switches. I thought that either the electronic chips must contain millions of electronic switches, or they must contain only 12,000 microscopic mechanical switches. I believe that this was an incorrect assumption though, since the sentence uses the word "regularly contain", meaning that there's an irregular possibility where the chip could contain 12,000 electronic switches.

I read answer choice E ("Manufacturers are able to protect electronic computer chips against exposure to intense radiation, where this protection is necessary") to mean that there are some manufacturers who have the technological advancement to create a chip that can withstand intense radiation. The passage says that Micro-Mechanics is producing a chip, but that doesn't mean they are manufacturing the chip from start to finish. They could have outsourced some of the manufacturing processes to someone else, which is a fairly common thing to do. So in order for Micro-Mechanics' chip to have the advantage of switches that can withstand intense radiation, whoever is manufacturing the chips for Micro-Mechanics needs to be able to protect those chips from intense radiation. If they can't, then it's not even possible for Micro-Mechanics to sell a chip that can withstand the intense radiation.

The rest of the answer choices seemed incredibly obvious when they would have to be true, especially answer choice D. Could you explain where I went wrong in my reasoning?

GMATNinja · Answer

atr0038 , let's go through your questions on answer (B) first:

You are correct in doubting your assumption here. The passage states that electronic chips regularly use millions of switches, but does not state that it is impossible for them to use only 12,000.

Once this is cleared up, you are left with an electronic chip with 12,000 switches that is more vulnerable to radiation than the Micro-Mechanics chip (which also has 12,000 switches). This would help create a market for the Micro-Mechanics chip, so you can throw out answer (B).

Now your concerns with answer (E):

Like with your analysis of answer (B), you are adding a lot of assumptions to this answer choice that are leading you astray. Let's break the passage down a bit:

There are already electronic chips on the market 
 Electronic switches cannot withstand intense radiation 
 Micro-Mechanics will produce a chip with mechanical switches 
 This chip will be able to withstand radiation   
Given this information, we are trying to find a statement that does NOT need to be true in order for there to be a market for the Micro-Mechanics chip.

Now let's go back to answer (E):
 
In this case, would there be a market for chips that can withstand intense radiation? Answer (E) is telling us that this capability already exists -- manufacturers of  electronic  chips can already protect those chips against radiation. So, the mechanical switches are unnecessary and there would be no market for a slower chip that can withstand radiation.

I think that your confusion stems from defining "manufacturers." The way the answer choice is written, it refers to  current  manufacturers who are already producing electronic chips on the market. It is not referring to potential partners for Micro-Mechanics to produce their mechanical switch chips.

I've made the word "some" bold in your response because it is a dangerous game to add modifiers (to the passage, question, or answer choices). It might not be what led you astray on this particular question, but it can definitely lead to misinterpretations and false assumptions. Just be careful with changing the wording!

I hope this helps!

Engineer1 · Answer

KarishmaB   MartyMurray   GMATGuruNY 
I was stuck at eliminating D to get E as the answer. I did read some of the discusssions, but still I don't clearly understand. First, the question is asking to find an answer that is opposite of the strengthener for advantage of Micro mechanics' switches. I will try to strengthen the advantage with an answer choice and eliminate that one, if it strengthens.

D. Some devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation.

By negating it I get  - None of the devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation. 
 Therefore, it stegthens. Correct?

But when I think if some devices have components that can function during or after exposure to radiation, why do we need slower 12000 switches?

Thank you explaining.

GMATGuruNY · Answer

My Mac has many components -- aside from the CPU or "chip," it contains  a motherboard, a storage drive, RAM, a keyboard , and so on. If none of the components in red works after exposure to radiation, my Mac will be rendered into a useless brick of hardware, even if its processing chip suffers no damage. For my Mac to beneift from a chip that can withstand radiation, option D must be true: that my computer has  other components  -- the components in red --  that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation .

KarishmaB · Answer

Electronic chips have millions of electronic switches.

Problem:    
 Electronic switches that are this small cannot withstand intense radiation. 
 Mechanics Plan to resolve the Problem:  
 Produce a chip that, because it uses only mechanical switches, will be invulnerable to radiation damage.

Issue with the Micro-Mechanics Plan:    
 Mechanical switches are slower than electronic switches and a chip will contain only 12,000 switches.

Now, we need to strengthen that the plan will work (invulnerability to radiation will be a big selling factor and will outweigh slow and fewer switches) 
 The only difference is that this question is an EXCEPT question. So, each option will strengthen the success of the plan EXCEPT the correct option. Hence, we need to look for four strengtheners. The leftover option will be the answer!

A. There will be applications in which the speed attainable by an electronic switch is not essential.

This means slower speed will be acceptable.
It increases the probability that the plan of Micro-Mechanics will succeed.

B. Switches used on electronic chips that contain only 12,000 switches are more vulnerable to radiation damage than the switches on Micro-Mechanics’ chip will be.

Applications in which 12,000 switches are needed would prefer mechanical switches then since even with just 12,000 switches, electronic switches are vulnerable to radiation damage. It increases the probability that the plan of Micro-Mechanics will succeed.

C. There will be applications for computer chips in environments where the chips may have to survive intense radiation.

In such applications, mechanical switches will hold up while electronic switches may fail. It increases the probability that the plan of Micro-Mechanics will succeed.

D. Some devices in which computer chips will be used will have other components that will be able to function during or after exposure to radiation.

Other components will be able to function after exposure to radiation so if the chip is able to function too, the device may continue working. Had other components broken down after radiation, a working chip would have had no use in the device. So, a chip that can withstand radiation is useful. It increases the probability that the plan of Micro-Mechanics will succeed.

E. Manufacturers are able to protect electronic computer chips against exposure to intense radiation, where this protection is necessary.  
 This doesn’t help our plan. If manufacturers can protect electronic chips against exposure to radiation, we do not need a chip that can withstand radiation. Hence this is the answer.

Answer (E)

Electronic computer chips made of tiny silicon wafers now regularly co

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