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Data from the Cassini probe initially characterized the hydrocarbon ba
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20 Apr 2026, 00:11
20 Apr 2026, 00:11
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
35% (01:05) correct
64% (01:18) wrong based on 17 sessions
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Data from the Cassini probe initially characterized the hydrocarbon basins on Titan as strikingly (i) ________ ; this finding proved unexpected, as the lower surface tension and viscosity of liquid methane, relative to terrestrial water, should theoretically render the liquid (ii) ________the agitation of waves.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
|---|---|
| A. placid | D. impervious to |
| B. translucent | E. susceptible to |
| C. cavernous | F. deficient in |
- Part of the project: GRE Hard and Tricky Verbal Practice: NEW Questions Daily
- Also replying to the unanswered questions
Re: Data from the Cassini probe initially characterized the hydrocarbon ba
[#permalink]
20 Apr 2026, 09:47
20 Apr 2026, 09:47
placid = clam
cavernous = hollow / deep
translucent = transparent
impervious = resistant
susceptible to = vulnerable to
The clue can be found in the second half of the sentence after semi colon.
The portion "the agitation of waves " provides the clue that the previous finding which ascertained the basin was placid or calm was perhaps incorrect as the liquid methane containing basin was more susceptible to to the "the agitation of waves " because of lower surface tension and viscosity .
The answers are
A. placid and E. susceptible to.
cavernous = hollow / deep
translucent = transparent
impervious = resistant
susceptible to = vulnerable to
The clue can be found in the second half of the sentence after semi colon.
The portion "the agitation of waves " provides the clue that the previous finding which ascertained the basin was placid or calm was perhaps incorrect as the liquid methane containing basin was more susceptible to to the "the agitation of waves " because of lower surface tension and viscosity .
The answers are
A. placid and E. susceptible to.
Re: Data from the Cassini probe initially characterized the hydrocarbon ba
[#permalink]
23 Apr 2026, 04:00
23 Apr 2026, 04:00
Expert Reply
1. The Logic Structure :
- The Scientific Fact: Liquid methane has lower surface tension and viscosity than water. In fluid dynamics, lower viscosity means the liquid flows more easily and is more easily moved by external forces (like wind).
- The Logic Gate: The phrase "surprising result" or "proved unexpected" indicates a paradox. What scientists saw was the opposite of what they expected.
- Blank (ii) Inference: Based on the physics (low viscosity/tension), the liquid should be very easy to move. Therefore, it should be susceptible to or prone to waves.
- Blank (i) Inference: Since the result was "unexpected," the actual observation must be the opposite of "wavy." It must be still, smooth, or calm.
- Selection: Placid (A) and Susceptible to (E).
2. Evaluating the Choices :
- A. placid: (Correct) Means calm and peaceful, with little movement. This provides the perfect contrast to the expected wave activity.
- B. translucent: (Thematic Trap) Means allowing light to pass through. While methane might be clear, the "wave" clue in the second half makes the "clarity" of the water irrelevant to the logic of the sentence.
- C. cavernous: (Thematic Trap) Means giving the impression of vast, dark depths. This is an "upgrade" for the "deep" distractor in the original question, but it doesn't relate to wave formation.
- D. impervious to: (Opposite Trap) Means unable to be affected by. If the liquid were impervious to waves, the result wouldn't be "surprising"-it would be expected.
- E. susceptible to: (Correct) Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. Lower viscosity makes a liquid more "susceptible" to the energy of the wind.
- F. deficient in: (Logic Trap) Means not having enough of something. One is not "deficient" in waves as a physical property; waves are an external phenomenon acted upon the surface.
- The Scientific Fact: Liquid methane has lower surface tension and viscosity than water. In fluid dynamics, lower viscosity means the liquid flows more easily and is more easily moved by external forces (like wind).
- The Logic Gate: The phrase "surprising result" or "proved unexpected" indicates a paradox. What scientists saw was the opposite of what they expected.
- Blank (ii) Inference: Based on the physics (low viscosity/tension), the liquid should be very easy to move. Therefore, it should be susceptible to or prone to waves.
- Blank (i) Inference: Since the result was "unexpected," the actual observation must be the opposite of "wavy." It must be still, smooth, or calm.
- Selection: Placid (A) and Susceptible to (E).
2. Evaluating the Choices :
- A. placid: (Correct) Means calm and peaceful, with little movement. This provides the perfect contrast to the expected wave activity.
- B. translucent: (Thematic Trap) Means allowing light to pass through. While methane might be clear, the "wave" clue in the second half makes the "clarity" of the water irrelevant to the logic of the sentence.
- C. cavernous: (Thematic Trap) Means giving the impression of vast, dark depths. This is an "upgrade" for the "deep" distractor in the original question, but it doesn't relate to wave formation.
- D. impervious to: (Opposite Trap) Means unable to be affected by. If the liquid were impervious to waves, the result wouldn't be "surprising"-it would be expected.
- E. susceptible to: (Correct) Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. Lower viscosity makes a liquid more "susceptible" to the energy of the wind.
- F. deficient in: (Logic Trap) Means not having enough of something. One is not "deficient" in waves as a physical property; waves are an external phenomenon acted upon the surface.
