PT156 S2 Q19 ExplanationGeologist: As a spinning object's radius

Answer choices, explained

1. A

   Trap2% picked this

   In the beginning of the twentieth century, geologists observed an increase in number and severity of earthquakes, accompanied by

   Opposite (if anything): more correlation strenthens, if anything

   2%
2. B

   Correct88% picked this

   During the past decade, other geological events have counteracted the movements of the tectonic plates that

   Why this is right

   Disrupts the assumption that the tectonic plate movement causes a net decrease in the Earth's radius by raising the possiblitiy that any decreases are counteracted by other movements.

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

   88%
3. C

   No Impact2% picked this

   Only skillful figure skaters succeed in twirling faster by bringing their arms closer

   Limiting the example to a subset of skaters doesn't change the law of physics the example is exemplifying.

   2%
4. D

   No Impact6% picked this

   Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, Earth's rate of rotation has been

   This might seem at first like an alternative explanation for the current rate of rotation increase. It isn't, however, because the reason for the historic fluctuations aren't specified. We can't, therefore, say the current change in rotation rate is any less likely to be due to the contraction of Earth's radius that it was before we knew that similar rotation fluctuations have happened throughout history.

   6%
5. E

   No Impact3% picked this

   Increased volcanic activity over the last ten years suggests that the overall movement of the

   The overall amount of tectonic movement increasing in the last decade doesn't attack the idea that the movement ultimately leads to a net decrease in the size of the Earth.

   3%