Recent measurements of the mass of the W boson (a subatomic particle) were notable not only for the mere fact

Question

Recent measurements of the mass of the W boson (a subatomic particle) were notable not only for the mere fact that the particle’s mass differed from expectations but for the blank of that difference: the measured mass of the W boson was seven standard deviations higher than predicted by the standard model of particle physics.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Accepted Answer

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text&rsquo;s discussion of the W boson. In this context, "scale" means size or extent. The text indies that recent measurements of the W boson were remarkable because they revealed the subatomic particle&rsquo;s mass to be much greater ("seven standard deviations higher") than had been expected based on a standard model. This context conveys not only that the measurements differed from predictions but also that the extent of the difference was very large. Choice A is incorrect. Although the text indies that there was a very large difference between the predicted mass and the actual measured mass of the subatomic particle, it doesn&rsquo;t explain the cause of, or reason behind, that difference. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn&rsquo;t make sense to say that the measurements of the subatomic particle were notable because they differed from expectations and also because a difference existed between the measurements and what had been predicted; the text would be repeating the idea that there was a difference instead of adding to that idea. Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn&rsquo;t convey any impliions of, or consequences of or conclusions drawn from, the fact that the mass of the subatomic particle differed from expectations; the context indies only that the actual measured mass was much higher than the predicted mass.

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