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- Tue May 03, 2016 11:43 am
#23865
Complete Question Explanation
Resolve the Paradox. The correct answer choice is (B)
Studies have shown that bridges with more high-stress points are likely to fracture eventually. However, the fractures do not develop at the high-stress points but elsewhere.
The question stem asks you to explain this paradox.
Answer choice (A): Although this answer shows that the phenomenon under discussion in the stimulus is not unique, this answer does not provide an explanation for why it occurs.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. If the bridges are reinforced at the high-stress points, they would be less likely to fracture at those points. But, if the stress from those points is transferred elsewhere, then the bridge will likely fracture elsewhere, and the more high—stress points there are, the more likely a fracture would occur. As this answer explains all of the elements in the stimulus, it is correct.
Answer choice (C): This answer addresses a post-fracture occurrence; it does not explain why bridges do not fracture at the high-stress points.
Answer choice (D): The stimulus discusses bridges with high-stress points whereas this answer addresses structures without any stress-points, and thus this answer addresses a different type of occurrence. Notwithstanding that point, this answer does not contribute to an understanding of why bridges with more high-stress points fracture not at those points but elsewhere.
Answer choice (E): This is the most frequently selected incorrect answer. The answer appears to suggest that bad construction causes the fractures, but if there is generally bad construction on the bridge, wouldn’t it be equally likely or more likely that the bridge would fracture at the high-stress points? It would, and thus this answer does not provide a reason why the bridge does not facture at the high-stress points.
Resolve the Paradox. The correct answer choice is (B)
Studies have shown that bridges with more high-stress points are likely to fracture eventually. However, the fractures do not develop at the high-stress points but elsewhere.
The question stem asks you to explain this paradox.
Answer choice (A): Although this answer shows that the phenomenon under discussion in the stimulus is not unique, this answer does not provide an explanation for why it occurs.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. If the bridges are reinforced at the high-stress points, they would be less likely to fracture at those points. But, if the stress from those points is transferred elsewhere, then the bridge will likely fracture elsewhere, and the more high—stress points there are, the more likely a fracture would occur. As this answer explains all of the elements in the stimulus, it is correct.
Answer choice (C): This answer addresses a post-fracture occurrence; it does not explain why bridges do not fracture at the high-stress points.
Answer choice (D): The stimulus discusses bridges with high-stress points whereas this answer addresses structures without any stress-points, and thus this answer addresses a different type of occurrence. Notwithstanding that point, this answer does not contribute to an understanding of why bridges with more high-stress points fracture not at those points but elsewhere.
Answer choice (E): This is the most frequently selected incorrect answer. The answer appears to suggest that bad construction causes the fractures, but if there is generally bad construction on the bridge, wouldn’t it be equally likely or more likely that the bridge would fracture at the high-stress points? It would, and thus this answer does not provide a reason why the bridge does not facture at the high-stress points.