Logical Reasoning

PT131 · S1 · Q24 The supernova event of 1987

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The supernova event of 1987 is interesting in that there is still no evidence of the neutron star that current theory says should have remained after a supernova of that size.

Evidence

The supernova event of 1987 is interesting in that there is still no evidence of the neutron star that current theory says should have remained after a supernova of that size.

This is in spite of the fact that many of the most sensitive instruments ever developed have searched for the tell-tale pulse of radiation that neutron stars emit.

Conclusion

Thus, current theory is wrong in claiming that supernovas of a certain size always produce neutron stars.

Evaluate

To strengthen this argument it is helpful to think of reasons why a neutron star, if it existed, would not have been detected. Couldn’t it also be the case that the most sensitive instruments are not sensitive enough to detect the neutron star because it’s too far away? Just because the instruments are the strongest, doesn’t mean they’re strong enough.

24.

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

  1. Most supernova remnants that astronomers

    Weaken

    This makes it more likely that supernova produce neutron stars.

    7% picked this

  2. Correct

    Sensitive astronomical instruments have detected

    Why this is right

    This defends the argument from the possibility that the instruments are not strong enough to detect the neutron star.

    Skill tested: Strengthen · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    66% picked this

  3. The supernova of 1987 was

    Out of Scope

    Whether the supernova event of 1987 was the first, second, or last that scientists were able to observe is not relevant to the argument.

    6% picked this

  4. Several important features of the

    Weaken

    This defends the current theory against the argument’s attack.

    4% picked this

  5. Some neutron stars are known

    Too Weak

    This is consistent with the possibility that some neutron stars came into existence by a supernova explosion.

    17% picked this

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