Q20

[coco.wu1993]

Why is E better than C? C is directly supported by line 45-47. Any help is appreciated!

[maryadkins]

The problem with (C) is that the author is more pro-Planck than (C) reads. The lines you mention, lines 45-47, note that the author says the PHYSICS COMMUNITY was critical"”that's different than the author being critical. The author goes on to say that Planck's ideas were proven and "generated a new vision in physics that led to theories still in place today" (line 60). That's (E).

(A) is too strong.
(B) is like (C)"”others regarding Planck as bizarre (line 39) doesn't mean the author does, too. Don't fall for the language trap.
(D) is too extreme. The author doesn't go so far as to suggest this.

[Mab6q]

Hey Mary,

Can you please discuss why "scholarly interest" is adequate enough to show the author's attitude for this passage. I just thought the author was taking an extra step, in that he is supporting Planck, so how does "scholarly interest" give us that?

[maryadkins]

I would say the last half of the answer choice is positive, and "scholarly interest" still describes the author's interest—it doesn't imply positivity necessarily, but it doesn't imply lack of it, either. "Scholarly is just a descriptor of the nature of the author's interest in the subject. And since the tone and approach is scholarly, it works. Also remember: you're just looking for the BEST answer!!

[bswise2]

The author literally calls Planck's position "bizarre" in line 39...and 20 is asking for the author's attitude towards Planck's development of the new hypothesis, not the hypothesis itself. Being that the author is asking about Planck's development...well...Planck's didn't do much to strengthen his development other than come up with the theory with no empirical explanation. So then why wouldn't B or C be the answer? I chose B because the author literally calls Planck's position bizarre, but C also could work in my mind. The author doesn't seem favorable towards Planck's "development." He/she seems to express "scholarly interest" in the overall result, which could be better attributed to Einstein's development. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[JosephV]

@bswise2

See lines 36 to 41. The word "bizarre" although used by the author is wholly attributed to the physics community of the time when Planck came up with the idea of discrete energy levels: "... and took the then bizarre position."