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Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
28 Oct 2019, 02:15
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Kudos for the OA and Explanation
[This passage was excerpted from an article published in 1979.]
Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory: it supplies methods for accurately calculating the results of diverse experiments, especially with minute particles. The predictions of quantum mechanics, however, give only the probability of an event, not a deterministic statement of whether or not the event will occur.
Because of this probabilism, Einstein remained strongly dissatisfied with the theory throughout his life, though he did not maintain that quantum mechanics is wrong. Rather, he held that it is incomplete: in quantum mechanics the motion of a particle must be described in terms of probabilities, he argued, only because some parameters that determine the motion have not been specified. If these hypothetical "hidden parameters" were known, a fully deterministic trajectory could be defined. Significantly, this hidden-parameter quantum theory leads to experimental predictions different from those of traditional quantum mechanics. Einstein's ideas have been tested by experiments performed since his death, and as most of these experiments support traditional quantum mechanics, Einstein's approach is almost certainly erroneous.
Question 1
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Question Stats:
49% (01:51) correct
51% (01:44) wrong based on 96 sessions
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24. The author regards the idea that traditional quantum mechanics is incomplete with
46% (01:21) correct
54% (01:36) wrong based on 78 sessions
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25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
(A) it is theoretically possible to generate plausible theories with hidden parameters within them (B) some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics (C) it is possible for a theory to have hidden parameters and yet be probabilistic (D) traditional quantum mechanics has not yet been used to analyze all of the phenomena to which it could be applied (E) there are too many possible hidden parameters to develop meaningful tests of hidden parameter theories
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81% (00:35) correct
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26. According to the passage, Einstein posed objections to the
(A) existence of hidden parameters in quantum theory (B) probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics (C) idea that quantum mechanics is incomplete (D) results of experiments testing quantum theory (E) the importance accorded quantum mechanics in physics
Question 4
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71% (01:20) correct
29% (01:05) wrong based on 73 sessions
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27. The passage suggests that which of the following would have resulted if the experiments mentioned had not supported the predictions of traditional quantum mechanics?
(A) Einstein, had he been alive, would have revised his approach to quantum mechanics. (B) Hidden-parameter theories would have been considered inaccurate descriptions of real-world phenomena. (C) A deterministic description of the motion of a particle might still be considered possible. (D) Quantum mechanics would have ceased to attract the attention of physicists. (E) Einstein, had he been alive, would have abandoned attempts to specify the hidden parameters that describe motion.
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
10 Dec 2019, 04:43
2
Expert Reply
Basically, the question is asking IF what Einstein was correct about the hidden parameters and the experiments would have had success then the result would be the following
If these hypothetical "hidden parameters" were known, a fully deterministic trajectory could be defined.
C says just this:
A deterministic description of the motion of a particle might still be considered possible.
Schools: Copenhagen Business School - Class of 2022
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Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
19 Apr 2020, 03:24
Since I find the 25q to be quite excessive, yet I managed to get the correct answer, I will try to provide my explanation to the q.
25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
Now for me b) was a winner from the first observance of it; however, I had reservations for it.
Now b.) "some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics" should be correct in my eyes due to the fact that he truly never really disputes the theory, he himself just tries to give a better understanding of it, a fuller picture to something that he seems to think could be better than it is already. Thereby, erroneous his approach is not, perhaps slightly flawed, yet still not completely wrong, since it is based in large on the theory.
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
19 Apr 2020, 05:23
1
bubidag wrote:
Since I find the 25q to be quite excessive, yet I managed to get the correct answer, I will try to provide my explanation to the q.
25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
Now for me b) was a winner from the first observance of it; however, I had reservations for it.
Now b.) "some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics" should be correct in my eyes due to the fact that he truly never really disputes the theory, he himself just tries to give a better understanding of it, a fuller picture to something that he seems to think could be better than it is already. Thereby, erroneous his approach is not, perhaps slightly flawed, yet still not completely wrong, since it is based in large on the theory.
If wrong, please feel free to correct me
Additionally, Some of the test results observed in the experiment do not oppose Einstein’s hypothesis. So, it can be inferred that Einstein’s approach was not completely wrong.
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
01 May 2020, 05:18
theBrahmaTiger wrote:
bubidag wrote:
Since I find the 25q to be quite excessive, yet I managed to get the correct answer, I will try to provide my explanation to the q.
25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
Now for me b) was a winner from the first observance of it; however, I had reservations for it.
Now b.) "some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics" should be correct in my eyes due to the fact that he truly never really disputes the theory, he himself just tries to give a better understanding of it, a fuller picture to something that he seems to think could be better than it is already. Thereby, erroneous his approach is not, perhaps slightly flawed, yet still not completely wrong, since it is based in large on the theory.
If wrong, please feel free to correct me
Additionally, Some of the test results observed in the experiment do not oppose Einstein’s hypothesis. So, it can be inferred that Einstein’s approach was not completely wrong.
Hope that helps!
By "some of the test results", is this in relation to "most experiments" phrase in the last sentence? Or is there some other hint in the passage that implies this?
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
01 May 2020, 05:22
1
Zohair123 wrote:
theBrahmaTiger wrote:
bubidag wrote:
Since I find the 25q to be quite excessive, yet I managed to get the correct answer, I will try to provide my explanation to the q.
25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
Now for me b) was a winner from the first observance of it; however, I had reservations for it.
Now b.) "some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics" should be correct in my eyes due to the fact that he truly never really disputes the theory, he himself just tries to give a better understanding of it, a fuller picture to something that he seems to think could be better than it is already. Thereby, erroneous his approach is not, perhaps slightly flawed, yet still not completely wrong, since it is based in large on the theory.
If wrong, please feel free to correct me
Additionally, Some of the test results observed in the experiment do not oppose Einstein’s hypothesis. So, it can be inferred that Einstein’s approach was not completely wrong.
Hope that helps!
By "some of the test results", is this in relation to "most experiments" phrase in the last sentence? Or is there some other hint in the passage that implies this?
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
02 Jun 2021, 09:07
anasp99 wrote:
Any explanation for 24 please?
Though first I answered it with approval, later I find that skepticism is the right answer. Skepticism means doubt or disposition about a subject: this goes with the passage fully not approval. Einstein didn't fully disapprove of it rather he raised questions or doubts.
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
03 Jun 2021, 13:09
1
Redfinger wrote:
anasp99 wrote:
Any explanation for 24 please?
Though first I answered it with approval, later I find that skepticism is the right answer. Skepticism means doubt or disposition about a subject: this goes with the passage fully not approval. Einstein didn't fully disapprove of it rather he raised questions or doubts.
But here we are talking with respect to author not Einstein right? If someone can help with a 24? It will be great
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
03 Jun 2021, 13:34
Expert Reply
Einstein's ideas have been tested by experiments performed since his death, and as most of these experiments support traditional quantum mechanics, Einstein's approach is almost certainly erroneous.
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
12 Aug 2021, 08:28
1
Hey,
Consider this from the passage: Einstein remained strongly dissatisfied with the theory throughout his life, though he did not maintain that quantum mechanics is wrong. Rather, he held that it is incomplete
From this, we can say that Einstein had a problem with the nature of quantum mechanics it was based on probabilities.
Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
12 Aug 2021, 08:30
Expert Reply
Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory: it supplies methods for accurately calculating the results of diverse experiments, especially with minute particles. The predictions of quantum mechanics, however, give only the probability of an event, not a deterministic statement of whether or not the event will occur.
The theory is great especially with minute particles. But it gives us the probability NOT if the event will occur or not, for sure
Because of this probabilism, Einstein remained strongly dissatisfied with the theory throughout his life, though he did not maintain that quantum mechanics is wrong.
Einstein was satisfied with the theory even though it was not perfect
Rather, he held that it is incomplete: in quantum mechanics the motion of a particle must be described in terms of probabilities, he argued, only because some parameters that determine the motion have not been specified.
We have to deal with the probability of the events predicted by the theory because of its incompleteness of some parameters
If these hypothetical "hidden parameters" were known, a fully deterministic trajectory could be defined.
If we know the parameters the theory would go from the probability to a determinist or sure statement
Significantly, this hidden-parameter quantum theory leads to experimental predictions different from those of traditional quantum mechanics.
The fact that the parameters are to us unknown brings the consequences to experimental results
Einstein's ideas have been tested by experiments performed since his death, and as most of these experiments support traditional quantum mechanics, Einstein's approach is almost certainly erroneous.
However, probably Einstein was wrong because several experiments conducted confirm the traditional theory and not Einstein' assumptions
24. The author regards the idea that traditional quantum mechanics is incomplete with
(A) approval
no the tone is neutral
(B) surprise
no surprise in discussing the passage
(C) indifference
no he is involved because he does several considerations
(D) apprehension
not really
(E) skepticism
Yes because Einstein' assumptions were tested and he was wrong
25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
(A) it is theoretically possible to generate plausible theories with hidden parameters within them
we care about quantum theory NOT other theories
(B) some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics
yes. E. was almost wrong, which means he was NOT totally wrong. Correct
(C) it is possible for a theory to have hidden parameters and yet be probabilistic
never discussed this in the passage
(D) traditional quantum mechanics has not yet been used to analyze all of the phenomena to which it could be applied
out of scope
(E) there are too many possible hidden parameters to develop meaningful tests of hidden parameter theories
we do know how MANy parameters we do have
26. According to the passage, Einstein posed objections to the
(A) existence of hidden parameters in quantum theory (B) probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics (C) idea that quantum mechanics is incomplete (D) results of experiments testing quantum theory (E) the importance accorded quantum mechanics in physics
Because of this probabilism, Einstein remained strongly dissatisfied with the theory throughout his life,
B is correct
C is tricky but is wrong because E. did care of the probabilistic nature NOT the idea itself of the theory
27. The passage suggests that which of the following would have resulted if the experiments mentioned had not supported the predictions of traditional quantum mechanics?
(A) Einstein, had he been alive, would have revised his approach to quantum mechanics. (B) Hidden-parameter theories would have been considered inaccurate descriptions of real-world phenomena. (C) A deterministic description of the motion of a particle might still be considered possible. (D) Quantum mechanics would have ceased to attract the attention of physicists. (E) Einstein, had he been alive, would have abandoned attempts to specify the hidden parameters that describe motion.
Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory: it supplies methods for accurately calculating the results of diverse experiments, especially with minute particles.
and
If these hypothetical "hidden parameters" were known, a fully deterministic trajectory could be defined
C is correct: the minuscule particles is the gist of the entire passage
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
17 Dec 2021, 07:19
Need help with the definition of the word 'Skeptic'. I understood the passage and in my opinion, the author is disapproving Einstein's idea that the theory is incomplete. Now the word rejection is not included in the options, can someone explain why we choose Skeptic?
Re: Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
17 Dec 2021, 10:35
Expert Reply
Greprep911 wrote:
Need help with the definition of the word 'Skeptic'. I understood the passage and in my opinion, the author is disapproving Einstein's idea that the theory is incomplete. Now the word rejection is not included in the options, can someone explain why we choose Skeptic?
Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory:
[#permalink]
16 Sep 2024, 22:17
1
24. The author regards the idea that traditional quantum mechanics is incomplete with
(A) approval
No.
(B) surprise
No.
(C) indifference
No.
(D) apprehension
No.
(E) skepticism
Yes.
Einstein's ideas have been tested by experiments performed since his death, and as most of these experiments support traditional quantum mechanics, Einstein's approach is almost certainly erroneous.
25. It can be inferred from the passage that the author's conclusion that Einstein's approach is "erroneous" might have to be modified because
(A) it is theoretically possible to generate plausible theories with hidden parameters within them
No.
(B) some experimental tests of Einstein's theory do not disconfirm the hidden-parameter theory of quantum mechanics
Yes.
Einstein's ideas have been tested by experiments performed since his death, andas most of these experiments support traditional quantum mechanics, Einstein's approach is almost certainly erroneous.
(C) it is possible for a theory to have hidden parameters and yet be probabilistic
No.
(D) traditional quantum mechanics has not yet been used to analyze all of the phenomena to which it could be applied
No.
(E) there are too many possible hidden parameters to develop meaningful tests of hidden parameter theories
No.
26. According to the passage, Einstein posed objections to the
(A) existence of hidden parameters in quantum theory
No, it was he who suggested the hidden parameters theory
(B) probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics
Yes.
Because of this probabilism, Einstein remained strongly dissatisfied with the theory throughout his life, though he did not maintain that quantum mechanics is wrong.
(C) idea that quantum mechanics is incomplete
No, it was Einstein's suggestion that quantum mechanics is incomplete
(D) results of experiments testing quantum theory
No, since these experiments were conducted after his death
(E) the importance accorded quantum mechanics in physics
No
27. The passage suggests that which of the following would have resulted if the experiments mentioned had not supported the predictions of traditional quantum mechanics?
(A) Einstein, had he been alive, would have revised his approach to quantum mechanics.
No.
(B) Hidden-parameter theories would have been considered inaccurate descriptions of real-world phenomena.
No.
(C) A deterministic description of the motion of a particle might still be considered possible.
Yes.
Rather, he held that it is incomplete: in quantum mechanics the motion of a particle must be described in terms of probabilities, he argued, only because some parameters that determine the motion have not been specified.If these hypothetical "hidden parameters" were known, a fully deterministic trajectory could be defined.
and
Einstein's ideas have been tested by experiments performed since his death,and as most of these experiments support traditional quantum mechanics, Einstein's approach is almost certainly erroneous.
Taking both these facts together one understands that if the experiments had not supported the predictions of traditional quantum mechanics, they would have proved Einstein's proposed quantum mechanics that held that there are hidden parameters. And when these hidden parameters are acknowledged we can have a deterministic trajectory of the particle instead of a probabilistic motion.
(D) Quantum mechanics would have ceased to attract the attention of physicists.
No.
(E) Einstein, had he been alive, would have abandoned attempts to specify the hidden parameters that describe motion.
No.
gmatclubot
Quantum mechanics is a highly successful theory: [#permalink]