Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Easy

PT2 S4 Q16 Explanation

Nuclear fusion is a process

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

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Stimulus

Nuclear fusion is a process whereby the nuclei of atoms are joined, or “fused,” and in which energy is released. One of the by-products of fusion is helium-4 gas. A recent fusion experiment was conducted using “heavy” water contained in a sealed flask. The flask was, in turn, contained in an air-filled experimenters cited this evidence in support of their conclusion that fusion had been achieved.

What this question is testing

Weaken

Your task

Find the choice that makes the argument's conclusion less likely to be true.

Common trap

Answers that look negative but attack a claim the argument never relied on.

Winning move

Find the assumption the argument depends on, then pick the choice that undermines it.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
16.

Which one of the following, if true, would cast doubt on the

Answer choices

  1. Trap4% picked this

    Helium-4 was not the only gas found in the

  2. Trap3% picked this

    When fusion is achieved, it normally produces several by-products, including tritium

  3. Correct85% picked this

    The amount of helium-4 found in the chamber’s air did not exceed the amount of helium-4 that is

    Why this is right

    Answer C is correct.

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

  4. Trap0% picked this

    Helium-4 gas rapidly breaks down, forming ordinary helium gas after a

  5. Trap7% picked this

    Nuclear fusion reactions are characterized by the release of large amounts

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