The Coriolis effect, the apparent result of a force that is

What would have been correct in this same question if I were given the options :
a) phenomenon that....
b) phenomenon which...

That or which?

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A defining relative clause can start with either. When you use which, you do not use commas when writing defining relative clauses. "that" clauses are always defining clauses.

VERITAS PREP OFFICIAL EXPLANATION:

Correct answer: (D)

Look for the Sentence Construction error here. The original version lacks a main verb. The happens because a modifier is incorrectly used where a verb-subject complement structure is called for. “A phenomenon” without a verb performs the work of an appositive modifier, but it makes no sense to modify “nonexistent.” “X is Y,” however, has the subject-verb-subject complement structure that avoids the modifier error and restores a main verb to the sentence. Using Slash and Burn enables us to see that the main clause should read “The Coriolis effect is a phenomenon.” Accordingly, eliminate (A), (B), and (C). Answer (E) generates a passive construction (“are deflected”) and incorrectly uses the relative pronoun “where” to refer to “a phenomenon,” not a location that can be logically described as “where.” Only answer (D) maintains the active construction (“seems to deflect”), uses an appropriate relative pronoun (“that”), and includes a main verb (“is”).

A. a phenomenon that seems to deflect moving objects relative to the rotation

B. a phenomenon where moving objects are deflecting relative to the rotation

C. a phenomenon that seems to deflect moving objects and is relative to the rotation

D. is a phenomenon that seems to deflect moving objects relative to the rotation

E. is a phenomenon where moving objects are deflected relative to the rotation


The Coriolis effect, the apparent result of a force that is actually nonexistent Non-Essential modifier, a phenomenon that seems to deflect moving objects relative to the rotation of the Earth’s surface.

After removing the Non-Essential modifier, The sentence looks like this ::

The Coriolis effect a phenomenon that seems to deflect moving objects relative to the rotation of the Earth’s surface. (Is another clause with Phenomenon(S) seem(V))

But the first clause doesn't have a verb.

The Coriolis effect is a phenomenon 'Is'(verb) is missing in the clause. So A,B,C can be eliminated.

D/E where is only used in case of physical location.
eg: I went to Paris, where we saw a tram.

Hence D.