In 1934 physicist Eugene Wigner posited the existence of a crystal consisting entirely of electrons in a honeycomb-like structure. The...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In 1934 physicist Eugene Wigner posited the existence of a crystal consisting entirely of electrons in a honeycomb-like structure. The so-called Wigner crystal remained largely conjecture, however, until Feng Wang and colleagues announced in 2021 that they had captured an image of one. The researchers trapped electrons between two semiconductors and then cooled the apparatus, causing the electrons to settle into a crystalline structure. By inserting an ultrathin sheet of graphene above the crystal, the researchers obtained an impression—the first visual confirmation of the Wigner crystal.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Researchers have obtained the most definitive evidence to date of the existence of the Wigner crystal.
Researchers have identified an innovative new method for working with unusual crystalline structures.
Graphene is the most important of the components required to capture an image of a Wigner crystal.
It's difficult to acquire an image of a Wigner crystal because of the crystal's honeycomb structure.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In 1934 physicist Eugene Wigner posited the existence of a crystal consisting entirely of electrons in a honeycomb-like structure." |
|
| "The so-called Wigner crystal remained largely conjecture, however, until Feng Wang and colleagues announced in 2021 that they had captured an image of one." |
|
| "The researchers trapped electrons between two semiconductors and then cooled the apparatus, causing the electrons to settle into a crystalline structure." |
|
| "By inserting an ultrathin sheet of graphene above the crystal, the researchers obtained an impression—the first visual confirmation of the Wigner crystal." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers in 2021 achieved the first visual confirmation of the Wigner crystal, which had remained theoretical since 1934.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from historical proposal (1934) to recent breakthrough (2021), then explains how the breakthrough was achieved through experimental method and imaging technique. The emphasis is on the significance of moving from conjecture to definitive visual evidence.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text - the central message that ties everything together.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the most important point the passage is trying to communicate.
Any limiting keywords? "Main idea" tells us we need the overarching message, not a detail or specific aspect.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should focus on the 2021 breakthrough as the central event, since that's where the passage places its emphasis
- It should recognize that this represents strong evidence for something that was previously just theoretical
- The key elements are: researchers achieved something significant, it involves the Wigner crystal, and it represents definitive proof of its existence
Researchers have obtained the most definitive evidence to date of the existence of the Wigner crystal.
✓ Correct
- This perfectly captures the main idea - researchers moved from theoretical conjecture (1934) to definitive visual evidence (2021)
- "Most definitive evidence" matches our understanding that this was the first visual confirmation
- Focuses on the central achievement that the passage emphasizes
Researchers have identified an innovative new method for working with unusual crystalline structures.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on methodology rather than the main point about confirming the Wigner crystal's existence
- The passage isn't primarily about developing new methods for crystalline structures generally
Graphene is the most important of the components required to capture an image of a Wigner crystal.
✗ Incorrect
- This makes graphene the main focus, but graphene is just one tool mentioned in the final step
- The passage doesn't rank the importance of different components used
It's difficult to acquire an image of a Wigner crystal because of the crystal's honeycomb structure.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage never suggests the honeycomb structure makes imaging difficult
- This introduces an idea not supported by the text
- The passage describes successful imaging, not difficulties with it