LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Reading ComprehensionMedium
Passage: "The concept of 'quantum entanglement' describes a phenomenon where two or more particles become linked in such a way that they share the same quantum state, regardless of the distance separating them. When one entangled particle is measured, its properties (such as spin or polarization) instantaneously determine the properties of its entangled partner, even if they are light-years apart. This 'spooky action at a distance,' as Einstein famously called it, appears to violate the principle of locality, which states that an object is only directly influenced by its immediate surroundings. However, entanglement does not allow for faster-than-light communication, as no information can be transmitted faster than light, only shared states. The full implications of entanglement are still being explored, but it is a cornerstone of quantum computing and cryptography." The passage states that the properties of an entangled particle are instantaneously determined by the measurement of its partner because:
- AEinstein's theory of relativity has been disproven.
- BThey are physically connected by an unseen force.
- CInformation travels between them faster than light.
- DThey share the same quantum state.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. They share the same quantum state.
The passage explicitly states, 'two or more particles become linked in such a way that they share the same quantum state,' and then immediately follows with, 'When one entangled particle is measured, its properties...instantaneously determine the properties of its entangled partner.' The shared quantum state is the stated reason for this instantaneous determination.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The passage mentions Einstein's phrase but does not suggest his theory of relativity has been disproven; in fact, it affirms that information cannot travel faster than light.
- B. The passage describes them as 'linked' but does not specify a 'physical connection' or 'unseen force' as the cause of instantaneous determination.
- C. The passage explicitly states that entanglement 'does not allow for faster-than-light communication,' contradicting this option.
Stated Reason/Cause
A stated reason or cause is an explicit explanation provided in the text for why something occurs or why a particular claim is true.
- Directly mentioned in the passage.
- Answers 'why' or 'how' an event happens.
- Requires careful reading of cause-and-effect language.
Memory trick: Explicit causation is the 'Direct Arrow' from cause to effect.