With the development of modern theoretical astrophysics, astronomers

Question

With the development of modern theoretical astrophysics, astronomers are able to explain data collected by early observers and to amass data about previously unknown phenomena in extragalactic optical astronomy. Despite our lack of understanding of these new phenomena, the data is being used for a variety of purposes. In certain cases it is possible, by application of known physical laws, to make theoretical predictions that are subject to observational tests. The prediction of neutron stars is a classic example of the use of this type of theory for purposes of prediction. Another is to be found in the field of cosmology.

Much of the current activity in extragalactic astronomy is directed towards deciding which if any, of the theoretical models of the universe is the most accurate. Starting from Einstein’s Theory, which proposed a radically different approach – the steady-state theory of the universe. This cosmology dispensed with the idea of a primordial singularity demanded by Hubble’s theory and substituted the concept of continuous creation of matter, which would maintain approximately constant mean density. It is largely within the context of these two theoretical models that observational work has found both its inspiration and its justification. Theoretical predictions of the type outlined above are of particular importance to astronomy, which is an observational rather than an experimental science. Predictive theory that is concerned with the consequences of physical laws is thus immensely productive in an astronomical context and can lead to lively interaction with the observational aspects of the subject.

It would, however, be unfair to suggest that theory usually plays such a guiding role in astronomical endeavor. Indeed, more often, theories are motivated by discoveries. As a result the second major role of theory in astronomy is that of interpretation. In the field of stellar evolution, for example, the general features of the Hertzprung-Russell diagram (essentially a plot of luminosity versus temperature) had been known for many years before a theoretical interpretation in terms of nuclear processing in unmixed stars could be given. This quantitative explanation opened the way to the development of a method for using the results of stellar-evolution calculations to provide us with quantitative information about stars. In principle, this method can be used to determine the approximate stellar abundances of the chemical elements, stellar masses, and hence stellar ages. Indeed, stellar-evolution theory provides us with the only widely applicable method of dating stellar systems.    1 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A) Elucidate ways in which astronomy differs from other sciences.
B) Discuss the roles of observation and theory in astronomy.
C) Present two conflicting views of the origin of the universe.
D) Demonstrate how the laws of physics apply to astronomy.
E) Explain the importance of stellar-evolution theory.

2 
 2. Which of the following represents a methodological handicap in the field of astronomy?

A) The difficulty of formulating predictive theories.
B) The impossibility of evaluating data collected by early observers.
C) The difficulty of correlating observed data with theoretical predictions.
D) The theoretical problem of reconciling the laws of astronomy with known laws of physics.
E) The difficulty of testing hypotheses through experimentation.

3 
 3. It can be inferred that the author considers predictive theory to be important in astronomy because it

A) Can be easily verified on the basis of objective data.
B) May provide a framework for further astronomical observation.
C) May result in confirmation of known physical laws.
D) Confirms the validity of data on the origins of the universe.
E) Often contributes to the advancement of other sciences.

4 
 4. The passage would be most likely to appear in which of the following.

A) A specialized monograph on astrophysics and its methods.
B) A newspaper article discussing cosmology.
C) A popular discussion of basic physical laws.
D) A theoretical essay on chemical elements in the universe.
E) A popular article on techniques of optical observation.

5 
 5. With which of the following statements concerning both the predictive and the interpretive roles of astronomical theory would the author be most likely to agree?

A) Both stimulate new research and provide a background against which astrophysical phenomena can be understood.
B) Both focus on discovering which model of the universe is correct.
C) Both are useful for validating information collected by observation as well as for testing the application of known physical laws.
D) Both have contributed about equally to every advance in astronomy and physics.
E) Both have as their primary objectives the formulation of new hypotheses.

6 
 6. The author uses the example of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in order to illustrate which of the following assertions?

A) Theory plays an important role in providing explanations for existing data.
B) Qualitative theory sometimes leads to the collection of quantitative information.
C) Quantitative data can provide an explanation for nuclear processing in unmixed stars.
D) There is a mathematical relationship between luminosity and temperature in stars.
E) Quantitative methods can be used to determine the mass and age of any star.

7 
 7. The author regards theoretical speculation on the origins of the universe with

A) Mild skepticism.
B) Restrained enthusiasm
C) Anxious concern.
D) Cool indifference.
E) Objective detachment.

RC Butler 2022  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 56 Date: 07-Feb-2022
 This question is a part of RC Butler 2022 .  Click here for Details

Source: my-GMAT

mayuresh0307 · Answer

Can you please share the explanation for Qn. 7?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Because science deals with objective truths. Hence, the answer is  (E).

carcass · Answer

questions such as #7 can only be addressed by reading the entire passage and having an intimate feeling with it. It cannot be solved via pure logic. we have to interpret the expressions in the passage. we do have them throughout such as the last sentence

Indeed, stellar-evolution theory provides us with the only widely applicable method of dating stellar systems.

From this the author is balanced and fair in his/her way to expose the argument

E is the best choice

gloomybison · Answer

carcass 
but isn't the question revolving around the origin of universe? method of dating stellar system is something different than oring of universe IMO

I guess, the answer to the Q7 is mostly described in the second para.

"Much of the current activity in extragalactic astronomy is directed towards deciding which  if any, of the  theoretical models of the universe  is the most accurate

to be honest, the underlying part pushed me to think that author doesn't know whether the theories regarding the universe are accurate so ı picked A he is a bit skeptical, though indifferent too

Also  Sajjad1994  would you please share explanations for all questions?

carcass · Answer

probably you did not read carefully

The author did not assert that he is skeptical, he just sustained that we have to assess which od the model we use to understand the universe is THE MOST accurate.

Among X,Y, and Z as models which one is the closest to the truth ?/ that does not mean he is skeptical. he is balancing which one is BEST.

Look for instance to this other piece

Clearly, he is explaining something in a neutral mode. We are looking for the TONE, not his opinion.

Clearly the way he is writing is pretty not engaging with some or other theory and also we do not have opinions about: this is good, this is bad, this fair or unfair. he is describing........

Hope now is more clear to you sir

Dev23 · Answer

Much of the current activity in extragalactic astronomy is directed towards deciding  which if any , of the theoretical models of the universe is the most accurate.

Prathana · Answer

Can anyone explain how to eliminate opt C in Q5?

Posted from my mobile device

Akarshkhan86 · Answer

Hello  Sajjad1994  can you share the OE of Question 2 & 7? Thanks.

maxbank · Answer

Why isnt the correct anser "C" for 5?

Both the predictive role and interpretive role provide validation by observation. Is it because the of the "testing the application" portion its incorrect?

Predictive theory: "....can lead to lively interaction with the observational aspects of the subject."

Interpretive role: "This quantitative explanation opened the way to the development of a method for using the results of stellar-evolution calculations to provide us with quantitative information about stars."

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

2. Which of the following represents a methodological handicap in the field of astronomy?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

Experimentation plays a crucial role in scientific inquiry as it allows researchers to test hypotheses and validate or refute theories. However, in the field of astronomy, experimentation in the traditional sense is challenging or often impossible due to the vast distances and timescales involved. Astronomers cannot directly manipulate celestial objects or create controlled experimental conditions as they can in a laboratory setting.

Astronomy primarily relies on observations of celestial phenomena using telescopes and other instruments. While astronomers can gather vast amounts of data from observations, they are limited in their ability to conduct controlled experiments to directly test hypotheses.

This difficulty of testing hypotheses through experimentation poses a methodological handicap in astronomy. It means that astronomers must rely on indirect methods, such as making theoretical predictions based on known physical laws and comparing them to observational data, as discussed in the passage. They cannot perform experiments to directly confirm or reject their hypotheses.

The lack of experimental testing can make it challenging to obtain definitive proof or conclusive evidence in astronomy. Hypotheses and theories in astronomy are often built upon a combination of observational data, theoretical models, and computational simulations. This reliance on indirect methods of validation can introduce uncertainties and limitations in the field.

In summary,  option (E) , the difficulty of testing hypotheses through experimentation, represents a methodological handicap in astronomy because it limits the ability to directly validate or refute hypotheses and introduces challenges in obtaining conclusive evidence.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

5. With which of the following statements concerning both the predictive and the interpretive roles of astronomical theory would the author be most likely to agree?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

In the passage, the author discusses two major roles of astronomical theory: the predictive role and the interpretive role. Let's examine each of these roles and match them with the provided options to determine the author's likely agreement.

Predictive role:  The passage highlights the importance of theoretical predictions in astronomy. It states that theoretical predictions, based on known physical laws, can be subject to observational tests. These predictions can be used to explain data collected by early observers and to amass data about previously unknown phenomena. The example of predicting neutron stars is mentioned as a classic application of this predictive role. The author also mentions that theoretical predictions are immensely productive in an astronomical context and can lead to lively interaction with the observational aspects of the subject.

Interpretive role:  The passage discusses how theories in astronomy are often motivated by discoveries. The author specifically mentions the field of stellar evolution, where theoretical interpretations were developed to explain the general features of the Hertzprung-Russell diagram. These interpretations allowed for a quantitative explanation of stellar processes and opened the way to using stellar-evolution calculations to determine information about stars, such as abundances, masses, and ages. The passage states that stellar-evolution theory provides the only widely applicable method of dating stellar systems.

Matching these roles with the provided options, it becomes evident that option A) "Both stimulate new research and provide a background against which astrophysical phenomena can be understood" aligns most closely with the author's statements. The predictive role of theory stimulates new research by making theoretical predictions that can be tested through observations, while the interpretive role provides a background for understanding astrophysical phenomena by explaining observed data and allowing for quantitative interpretations.

Therefore, the author would most likely agree that both the predictive and the interpretive roles of astronomical theory stimulate new research and provide a background against which astrophysical phenomena can be understood.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

7. The author regards theoretical speculation on the origins of the universe with

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

The author's tone regarding theoretical speculation on the origins of the universe leans more towards objective detachment rather than mild skepticism. While the passage acknowledges that different theoretical models exist and that astronomers are actively working to determine the most accurate model, there is no explicit indication of skepticism or doubt expressed by the author.

The author presents a balanced view of theoretical models and their role in astronomy, highlighting both their predictive and interpretive functions. The passage describes how theoretical predictions based on known physical laws can be subject to observational tests, and how interpretations of data can be provided through theoretical frameworks. The author emphasizes the importance of theoretical predictions and interpretations in advancing our understanding of the universe.

The absence of any negative or skeptical language and the overall objective and informative tone of the passage indicate that the author approaches theoretical speculation on the origins of the universe with objective detachment. The author presents the information without expressing personal bias or subjective judgment.

Answer: E

Prob2303 · Answer

Hi Sajjad,

Can I get a brief summary of the passage and the OE for Q3 and Q6?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. It can be inferred that the author considers predictive theory to be important in astronomy because it

Explanation The passage discusses the role of predictive theory in astronomy and emphasizes its importance. Let's analyze each option to understand why B is the correct answer:

A)  The passage doesn't suggest that predictive theory can be easily verified on the basis of objective data. It mentions that theoretical predictions are subject to observational tests, which implies a process of testing rather than easy verification.

B)  The passage supports this idea. It states that theoretical predictions, such as those about neutron stars and in the field of cosmology, are of particular importance to astronomy and can lead to lively interaction with the observational aspects of the subject. This implies that predictive theory can provide a framework for further astronomical observation.

C)  The passage mentions that theoretical predictions are made by the application of known physical laws, but it doesn't specifically state that the purpose is the confirmation of these laws. The focus is more on using known laws to make predictions that can be tested observationally.

D)  The passage discusses the competition between theoretical models of the universe, including Einstein's Theory and the steady-state theory, but it doesn't specifically mention the confirmation of the validity of data on the origins of the universe.

E)  The passage does not provide information about how predictive theory in astronomy contributes to the advancement of other sciences. It focuses on the role of predictive theory within the field of astronomy itself.

In summary, option B is the most accurate based on the information provided in the passage, as it aligns with the idea that predictive theory can provide a framework for further astronomical observation.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

6. The author uses the example of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in order to illustrate which of the following assertions?

Explanation

A)  The example of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in the passage supports this assertion. The passage mentions that the general features of the H-R diagram were known for many years before a theoretical interpretation in terms of nuclear processing in unmixed stars could be given. Theoretical interpretation played a crucial role in explaining the existing data represented by the H-R diagram. B)  This option is not as strongly supported by the passage. The passage suggests that the initial understanding of the H-R diagram was qualitative, but it doesn't explicitly state that the qualitative theory led to the collection of quantitative information. The emphasis is more on the role of theory in providing explanations.

C)  This option is not aligned with the passage. The passage suggests that a theoretical interpretation (qualitative theory) was given first, and then quantitative information was developed based on that interpretation. It does not support the idea that quantitative data alone provided an explanation for nuclear processing in unmixed stars.

D)  While this is a true statement about the nature of the H-R diagram, it doesn't directly address the author's intent in using the example. The focus is on the theoretical interpretation and its role in explaining the data.

E)  The passage mentions that stellar-evolution theory provides a method for determining approximate stellar abundances, masses, and ages, but it does not claim that it can be applied to any star. The context is more specific to the field of stellar evolution.

In summary, option A is correct because the passage emphasizes the role of theory in providing explanations for existing data, illustrated by the example of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.

Answer: A

muskan_jn23 · Answer

can someone please provide summary of this passage!!!!!!!

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The passage discusses the role of theoretical astrophysics in explaining and predicting astronomical phenomena. It mentions how theories, inspired by observations, guide astronomical research. The example of predicting neutron stars is given, and the passage highlights the comparison between Einstein's Theory and the steady-state theory in cosmology. Theoretical models are used to interpret observations, with stellar evolution as an example. Overall, the passage emphasizes the interaction between theoretical predictions and observational aspects in astronomy.

With the development of modern theoretical astrophysics, astronomers

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With the development of modern theoretical astrophysics, astronomers

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