Logical Reasoning

PT133 · S2 · Q5 The area of mathematics

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The area of mathematics called "gauge field theory," though investigated in the nineteenth century, has only relatively recently been applied to problems in contemporary quantum mechanics.

Gauge field theory was investigated in the nineteenth century, but only recently has been applied to problems in quantum mechanics.

Differential geometry was investigated in the early nineteenth century, but only recently has been applied to the exploration of general relativity.

The common relationship between these two examples is that some applications of a theory may not be initially apparent.

Which one of the following is best illustrated by the examples presented above?

Correct
Applications of some new theories
Why this is right
This statement mirrors the relationship between the two examples.
Skill tested: Most Supported · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.
88% picked this
Mathematicians are sometimes able to
Half Scope / Unsupported Relationship
The first example does not mention mathematicians. Furthermore, Gauss did not anticipate that tensor analysis would be useful to future scientists.
4% picked this
The discoveries of modern physics
Too Strong
The examples establish that some areas of modern physics have benefited from mathematical advances made in the nineteenth century, but to say that the discoveries of modern physics would not have occurred without those mathematical advances goes too far.
6% picked this
The nineteenth century stands out
Unsupported Comparison
Nothing in the examples would permit a comparison between the mathematical advances of the nineteenth century and those of other centuries.
2% picked this
Mathematics tends to advance more
Unsupported Comparison
Nothing in the examples would permit a comparison between the rate at which mathematics advances and the rates of other physical sciences.
1% picked this

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