Official Explanation
1. The author uses the quotations at the end of the first paragraph in order to:
Difficulty Level: Medium
Explanation
The first introductory paragraph is primarily used to show how the counter-intuitive nature of quantum mechanics has caused multiple interpretations and philosophical debates. The quotes at the end are used to highlight the complexity and lack of total understanding regarding the theory of quantum mechanics.
Answer choice (A) is incorrect but tricky. The introductory sentence of the 1st paragraph does mention “strong philosophical debates” but these quotes are not used to highlight how strong they have been. Both quotes reference the confusion of the theory and the interpretations, not any philosophical debates.
(B) matches the goal of the quotes perfectly – they are used to highlight the theory’s complexity.
For (C), the rules of Max Born are discussed in the paragraph, but the quotes do not refer back to that specific issue.
(D) is clearly incorrect as the quotes are not introductory in nature.
For (E), the quotes also do not support any particular viewpoint – they simply emphasize the complexity of the theory.
Correct answer is (B).
2. The primary purpose of this passage is to:
Difficulty Level: Easy
Explanation
This passage is not opinionated, so its purpose cannot be to “make the case” or “show that Albert Einstein was incorrect.” From this you can eliminate both (A) and (B), as they do not properly match the goal of the passage.
(C) matches both the content and the goal of the passage perfectly. The passage discusses generally the complexity of quantum mechanics, but it does so through an examination of the Copenhagen interpretation and Einstein’s response to that interpretation.
Both (D) and (E) are too narrow in scope. While Max Born’s basic rules are discussed in the passage, they are not the primary purpose.
(E) is much trickier but the passage is not about their debate specifically; it is about the complexities of quantum mechanics and the Copenhagen interpretation.
Their debate is just one part of the discussion and thus (E) is too narrow in scope.
Correct answer is (C).
3. Which of the following can be inferred about the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics?
Difficulty Level: Medium
Explanation
The Copenhagen interpretation was primarily discussed in the 2nd paragraph (and in the 3rd) so you should focus your attention there. (A) is contradicted in the second sentence of the second paragraph. It says that according to this interpretation the probabilistic nature is NOT temporary.
(B), the correct answer, requires that you leverage the first sentence of the 3rd paragraph in combination with the second paragraph. In that sentence you learn that “Albert Einstein…disliked this loss of determinism in measurement” in reference back to the Copenhagen interpretation. From that you know that the Copenhagen interpretation involved some loss of determinism.
For (C), you learn in the passage that it is widely accepted today, but you have no idea if that was the case 75 years ago.
(D), like (A), is directly contradicted in the 2nd paragraph – it states that the arrangement IS important.
For (E), you know that Albert Einstein did not like the loss of determinism in the Copenhagen interpretation, but you have no idea if the Copenhagen interpretation rejected MANY of his views and theories.
Correct answer is (B).