While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The fifth Solvay Conference on Physics was held in 1927.It...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The fifth Solvay Conference on Physics was held in 1927.
- It brought together twenty-nine of the era's preeminent scientists to discuss the emerging field of quantum theory.
- The conference famously featured a debate between physicists Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr.
- Bohr proposed that subatomic entities like electrons had only probable realities until they were observed.
- Einstein argued that subatomic entities like electrons had a reality independent of observation.
- Bohr's position, later called the Copenhagen interpretation, remains the most widely accepted theory of quantum mechanics.
The student wants to place Einstein's argument within its historical context. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
During the dawn of quantum theory, Einstein maintained the independent reality of some subatomic entities, although Bohr's opposing interpretation would become the widely accepted view.
At the 1927 Solvay Conference on Physics, Einstein disagreed with Bohr's argument that subatomic entities like electrons had a reality independent of observation.
The attendees of the 1927 Solvay Conference were among the preeminent scientists of their era, including Einstein, who opposed Bohr's proposal.
In 1927, Einstein and Bohr engaged in a famous debate; Bohr's argument, later called the Copenhagen interpretation, would remain popular decades after.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Looking at this Rhetorical Synthesis question, I need to help the student understand how to place Einstein's argument within its proper historical context using the provided research notes.
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The fifth Solvay Conference on Physics was held in 1927." |
|
| "It brought together twenty-nine of the era's preeminent scientists to discuss the emerging field of quantum theory." |
|
| "The conference famously featured a debate between physicists Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr." |
|
| "Bohr proposed that subatomic entities like electrons had only probable realities until they were observed." |
|
| "Einstein argued that subatomic entities like electrons had a reality independent of observation." |
|
| "Bohr's position, later called the Copenhagen interpretation, remains the most widely accepted theory of quantum mechanics." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The 1927 Solvay Conference featured a famous debate between Einstein and Bohr about the nature of quantum reality, with Bohr's position ultimately becoming the accepted scientific view.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the 1927 Solvay Conference as a pivotal moment in quantum physics, then present the competing viewpoints of Einstein (independent reality) and Bohr (observer-dependent reality), before revealing that Bohr's interpretation became the dominant scientific theory.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should identify the historical time period (1927, dawn of quantum theory era)
- Clearly state Einstein's specific argument (independent reality of subatomic entities)
- Provide context about what this meant within the broader scientific discussion
- Reference the long-term outcome to show historical significance
During the dawn of quantum theory, Einstein maintained the independent reality of some subatomic entities, although Bohr's opposing interpretation would become the widely accepted view.
- Provides excellent historical context with "During the dawn of quantum theory"
- Accurately states Einstein's position about "independent reality of some subatomic entities"
- Gives historical perspective by noting Bohr's "opposing interpretation would become the widely accepted view"
- This perfectly fulfills the goal of historical contextualization
At the 1927 Solvay Conference on Physics, Einstein disagreed with Bohr's argument that subatomic entities like electrons had a reality independent of observation.
- Gets Einstein's argument completely backward - says Einstein disagreed with the idea that electrons had independent reality
- Einstein actually argued FOR independent reality
- This is a factual error
The attendees of the 1927 Solvay Conference were among the preeminent scientists of their era, including Einstein, who opposed Bohr's proposal.
- Focuses on conference attendees rather than Einstein's argument
- Doesn't clearly state what Einstein's position actually was
In 1927, Einstein and Bohr engaged in a famous debate; Bohr's argument, later called the Copenhagen interpretation, would remain popular decades after.
- Mentions the debate and Bohr's interpretation
- Fails to clearly state Einstein's specific argument
- Doesn't achieve the goal of placing "Einstein's argument" in context