SAT Reading Practice Questions - Question List

Most elementary school students learn that matter exists in three different states: gas, liquid, and solid. The states of matter, as everyone knows, describe how the atomic particles interact with one another and the distances and attractions that govern those interactions

In 1995, a fourth form of matter was created by scientists working with ultra-cold atoms. This fourth form is called Bose-Einstein condensate. Long theorized as being a potential state of matter, Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) consists of a cluster of atoms cooled to temperatures so close to absolute zero that they merge into a single quantum state. In a single quantum state, all of the particles can be described mathematically as a single unit. The distinctions between particles dissipate and the cluster functions, to a great extent, as a single unit.

Currently, the only use for BEC is for more research. Scientists are using BEC to simulate condensed matter systems, which are forms of matter in which the atoms or particles are highly concentrated. A potential application of BEC is in the development of quantum computers, which store and process information on subatomic particles. BEC is an attractive data storage solution because an infinite number of atoms can be merged into exactly the same quantum state, and would, therefore, allow for coherent transmission of information. Researchers have already had success creating BEC clouds of millions of atoms, an indication that, theoretically, the creation of large data storage clouds is feasible.

How could one characterize the author’s certainty that quantum computers will be developed?

Most elementary school students learn that matter exists in three different states: gas, liquid, and solid. The states of matter, as everyone knows, describe how the atomic particles interact with one another and the distances and attractions that govern those interactions

In 1995, a fourth form of matter was created by scientists working with ultra-cold atoms. This fourth form is called Bose-Einstein condensate. Long theorized as being a potential state of matter, Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) consists of a cluster of atoms cooled to temperatures so close to absolute zero that they merge into a single quantum state. In a single quantum state, all of the particles can be described mathematically as a single unit. The distinctions between particles dissipate and the cluster functions, to a great extent, as a single unit.

Currently, the only use for BEC is for more research. Scientists are using BEC to simulate condensed matter systems, which are forms of matter in which the atoms or particles are highly concentrated. A potential application of BEC is in the development of quantum computers, which store and process information on subatomic particles. BEC is an attractive data storage solution because an infinite number of atoms can be merged into exactly the same quantum state, and would, therefore, allow for coherent transmission of information. Researchers have already had success creating BEC clouds of millions of atoms, an indication that, theoretically, the creation of large data storage clouds is feasible.

Which statement most accurately describes atoms and subatomic particles functioning in a single quantum state?

Hippocrates (c. 460-370 B.C.). The Oath and Law of Hippocrates. The Harvard Classics. 1909-14.

I SWEAR by Apollo the physician and Æsculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation-to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this Art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons labouring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the Art, respected by all men, in all times. But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot.

The main idea of this passage can best be surmised as:

Hippocrates (c. 460-370 B.C.). The Oath and Law of Hippocrates. The Harvard Classics. 1909-14.

I SWEAR by Apollo the physician and Æsculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation-to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this Art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons labouring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the Art, respected by all men, in all times. But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot.

What does the narrator reference as needing to be kept secret?

Hippocrates (c. 460-370 B.C.). The Oath and Law of Hippocrates. The Harvard Classics. 1909-14.

I SWEAR by Apollo the physician and Æsculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation-to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this Art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons labouring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the Art, respected by all men, in all times. But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot.

What time frame accurately dates this passage?