Question

Scientists have long searched for magnetic monopoles, hypothetical particles left over from the Big Bang. In 1982, a detector at Stanford recorded a single event that seemed to be the passage of a monopole. However, despite the fact that the Stanford experimental design has withstood all serious challenges, no other detectors have ever recorded similar events. Even though one team of physicists has recently claimed to have found indirect evidence that magnetic monopoles must exist, the consensus of the physics community is that monopoles, if they do exist, have not yet been discovered.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first is a difficulty that contradicts the status quo view of the majority of physicists; the second is that status quo view.
(B) The first is a comment that supports a minority position among physicists; the second is an alternative to that minority position.
(C) The first is evidence strengthening an unrepeated experimental result; the second is a claim supported by that evidence.
(D) The first is an assertion that undermines a hypothesis commonly thought to be unproven; the second is that hypothesis.
(E) The first is a corroboration of an assertion that lacks experimental support; the second is that assertion.

Answer 1

The boldface statements in the argument indicate that a unique experimental event suggested a magnetic monopole's existence but was not replicated. The physics community's consensus is that magnetic monopoles have yet to be discovered, with the first statement presenting a challenge and the second reinforcing the common view. The correct answer is option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

In analyzing the boldface statements within the argument, the roles of these statements can be discerned by understanding the context in which they are presented. The first boldface statement refers to a singular experimental event at Stanford that suggested the existence of a magnetic monopole, but this result was not replicated by other detectors.

Given that the occurrence is unique and not corroborated by further evidence, it does not strengthen the case for monopoles; rather, it presents a challenge to the consensus. The second boldface statement details the prevailing view within the physics community that magnetic monopoles have not yet been discovered. This view exists despite the claim of indirect evidence by a team of physicists, underlining the community's skepticism or requirement for more substantial findings.

Considering these points, the correct role of the boldfaced statements in the argument is:

(A) The first is a difficulty that contradicts the status quo view of the majority of physicists; the second is that status quo view.