4. The butterfly effect is a somewhat poorly understood mathematical concept, primarily
because it is interpreted and presented incorrectly by the popular media. It refers to
systems, and how initial conditions can influence the ultimate outcome of an event. The best
way to understand the concept is through an example. You have two rubber balls. There are
two inches between them, and you release them. Where will they end up? Well, that depends.
If they're in a sloped, sealed container, they will end up two inches away from each other at
the end of the slope. If it's the top of a mountain, however, they may end up miles away from
each other. They could bounce off rocks; one could get stuck in a snow bank while the other
continues down the slope; one could enter a river and get swept away. The fact that even a
tiny initial difference can have a significant overall impact is known as the butterfly effect.
The purpose of this passage is
A. To discuss what could happen to two rubber balls released on top of a mountain.
B. To show why you can predict what will happen to two objects in a sloped, sealed container.
C. To discuss the primary reason why the butterfly effect is a poorly understood concept.
D. To give an example of how small changes at the beginning of an event can have large effects.