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Question 25: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Physics is a pure science that seeks to understand the behavior of matter without regard to whether it will afford any practical benefit. Engineering is the correlative applied science in which physical theories are put to some specific use, such as building a bridge or a nuclear reactor. Engineers obviously rely heavily on the discoveries of physicists, but an engineer's knowledge of the world is not the same as the physicist's knowledge. In fact, an engineer's know-how will often depend on physical theories that, from the point of view of pure physics, are false. There are some reasons for this. First, theories that are false in the purest and strictest sense are still sometimes very good approximations to the true ones, and often have the added virtue of being much easier to work with. Second, sometimes the true theories apply only under highly idealized conditions which can only be created under controlled experimental situations. The engineer finds that in the real world, theories rejected by physicists yield more accurate predictions than the ones that they accept.
A. Though engineering draws heavily from pure science, it contributes to knowledge, by incorporating the constraints and conditions in the real world.
B. Engineering and physics fundamentally differ on matters like building a bridge or a nuclear reactor.
C. The relationship between pure and applied science is strictly linear, with the pure science directing applied science, and never the other way round.
D. The unique task of the engineer is to identify, understand, and interpret the design constraints to produce a successful result.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: A
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
Option B goes against what the author is trying to explain in this sentence â âEngineering is the correlative applied science in which physical theories are put to some specific use, such as building a bridge or a nuclear reactorâ. The author is implying that Engineering has applied the knowledge provided by physical theories. So, Option B is incorrect.
When the relation between two subjects is linear, they will always follow exactly the same approach towards various conditions and possibilities. However, the author has clarified that âThe engineer finds that in the real world, theories rejected by physicists yield more accurate predictions than the ones that they acceptâ. This implies the absence of an identical approach between people who follow pure science and applied science. Hence, Option C is incorrect.
Option D does not mention anything about the value and implications of the pure science that physics offers; and only talks about the tasks of an engineer. Hence, this is rather incomplete to form a summary of the passage.
Option A captures the essence of the passage by explaining that how engineering gives a practical contribution by combining pure science and the constraints of the real world. Hence, Option A is the correct answer.
Word 1: Correlative
Context:
"Engineering is the correlative applied science in which physical theories are put to some specific use, such as building a bridge or a nuclear reactor." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "correlative" refers to something that is closely connected or mutually dependent on something else. In this context, engineering is described as the corresponding or interdependent counterpart to pure scienceâtranslating theoretical knowledge into practical applications. The term implies a deep connection between two entities, where one naturally complements or arises from the other.
Meaning: Having a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: kuh-REL-uh-tiv
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Late Latin correlativus, from Latin com- ("together") + relativus ("having relation").
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âCorrelativeâ often shows up in logical, scientific, or analytical contexts. Think of it as a âpartner conceptââwhere one idea makes sense only in relation to the other. Understanding this word helps build connections between abstract theories and real-world applications.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: corresponding, reciprocal, parallel, related, interconnected
Antonyms: unrelated, independent, unconnected, disjointed
Usage Examples:
- The rise in education levels is often correlative with improvements in economic prosperity.
- Scientific theories and their correlative applications drive technological advancements.
- Rights and responsibilities are correlative; one cannot exist without the other.
- In grammar, "either" and "or" are correlative conjunctions, used together to form logical structures.
Cultural Reference:
"Rights and duties are correlative; they go together like two sides of the same coin." - Philosophy of Law Textbooks
Think About It:
Can you think of two concepts in your life that are correlativeâwhere one cannot exist or make sense without the other?
Quick Activity:
List three pairs of things that are correlative in your field of interest (e.g., cause-effect, input-output, supply-demand).
Memory Tip:
Break it down: âco-â (together) + ârelativeâ (relationship). Correlative = things that go together in a relationship.
Real-World Application:
Understanding correlative principles is crucial in fields like engineering, economics, psychology, and law, where systems or ideas often depend on their counterparts to function or make sense.
Word 2: Approximations
Context:
"First, theories that are false in the purest and strictest sense are still sometimes very good approximations to the true ones, and often have the added virtue of being much easier to work with." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Approximations" refers to estimates or representations that are close to, but not exactly, the true value or reality. In scientific or mathematical contexts, even if a theory isn't perfectly accurate, it can still provide a reliable or functional understanding of a system. The value of such approximations lies in their practicalityâthey allow for useful predictions and solutions when exact answers are too complex or impossible to obtain.
Meaning: A value, idea, or result that is close to but not exactly equal to the true or desired one (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-prok-suh-MAY-shunz
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare ("to come near").
Prashant Sir's Notes:
In the real world, we rarely work with perfect models. Whether in science, engineering, or daily decision-making, we rely on approximations that are âgood enough.â The key is knowing when and how much error is acceptable.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: estimates, guesses, projections, near-values, rough calculations
Antonyms: exact values, precision, certainty, accuracy
Usage Examples:
- The engineer's approximations allowed the team to complete the prototype quickly.
- Weather forecasts are based on approximations drawn from climate models.
- Even good approximations can lead to large errors if used improperly.
- In math class, we used Ï as 3.14, which is an acceptable approximation for many calculations.
Cultural Reference:
"All models are wrong, but some are useful." â George E. P. Box, highlighting the value of approximations in science.
Think About It:
In what situations in life do you rely on approximations, and when is that acceptableâor dangerous?
Quick Activity:
Pick three quantities you use daily (like your commute time or water intake) and write down your best approximations. Then, try to find their exact valuesâhow close were you?
Memory Tip:
Think of âapproximateâ as âalmost properâânot perfect, but close enough to work with.
Real-World Application:
Approximations are widely used in budgeting, cooking, construction, and scientific modelingâwhere exact data is either unavailable or impractical to use.
Word 3: Idealized
Context:
"Second, sometimes the true theories apply only under highly idealized conditions which can only be created under controlled experimental situations." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Idealized" refers to something that has been represented as perfect or more perfect than it actually is. Often used in scientific or theoretical contexts, it describes situations or models that are simplified to exclude real-world complexities. Idealized conditions help in understanding core principles by stripping away distractions, but they may not always reflect reality accurately.
Meaning: Represented as perfect or better than in reality by ignoring flaws or complexities (Adjective)
Pronunciation: eye-DEE-uh-lized
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From âideal,â derived from Latin idealis, and suffix â-izedâ indicating transformation or representation.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Idealization is a useful intellectual toolâit lets us model situations by removing ânoise.â But donât confuse it with reality. Learn to identify when youâre working with an idealized version of something and when you need to get practical.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: perfected, romanticized, theoretical, abstracted, simplified
Antonyms: realistic, practical, flawed, actual
Usage Examples:
- The scientist used an idealized model to explain the basic laws of motion.
- Her view of childhood was heavily idealized, ignoring the struggles she had faced.
- In physics, frictionless surfaces are often idealized assumptions to simplify equations.
- The novel presents an idealized version of rural life, free from hardship or conflict.
Cultural Reference:
"All scientific models are idealized; they simplify reality so we can understand it." â A principle echoed in many philosophy of science discussions.
Think About It:
Can idealized thinking help in personal relationships, or does it set unrealistic expectations?
Quick Activity:
Take one everyday object or routine (like your morning) and write a short paragraph describing it in an idealized way. Then write a realistic version. Compare the two!
Memory Tip:
Think of "idealized" as creating an "ideal" version of somethingâfiltered, polished, and sometimes too perfect to be true.
Real-World Application:
Idealized models are essential in education and researchâthey form the basis for initial understanding before adding real-world complexity in disciplines like physics, economics, and engineering.
Word 4: Experimental
Context:
"Second, sometimes the true theories apply only under highly idealized conditions which can only be created under controlled experimental situations." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "experimental" relates to the process of testing or trying out something, usually in a controlled and scientific manner. It is often used to describe situations, methods, or conditions that are part of a structured investigation or trial, especially to observe results or validate a theory. In this context, "experimental situations" refers to artificial settings created specifically to test how true theories behave under ideal circumstances.
Meaning: Based on untested ideas or techniques and involving the use of experiments (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ek-sper-uh-MEN-tl
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin experimentum meaning "a trial, test, proof," from experiri, "to try, test."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Experimental" doesnât just belong in science labsâitâs a mindset. It means trying something out, observing the results, and learning from it. Whether in learning, design, or teaching, being experimental means being curious and open to discovery.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: trial-based, exploratory, investigative, provisional, test-driven
Antonyms: proven, established, confirmed, conventional
Usage Examples:
- The new drug is still in the experimental phase and hasn't been approved for public use.
- Her cooking style is highly experimental, blending unexpected ingredients.
- They set up an experimental classroom to test a new teaching method.
- Experimental physics involves observing real-world behavior in a controlled environment.
Cultural Reference:
In music, artists like Björk and Radiohead are known for their experimental stylesâconstantly pushing boundaries and trying new sounds.
Think About It:
When was the last time you tried something completely new? How did being âexperimentalâ helpâor challengeâyou?
Quick Activity:
Choose one small habit todayâlike your study method or lunch planâand do it in an experimental way. Record the result. Did it feel better or worse?
Memory Tip:
Think of âexperimentalâ as something from an âexperimentââa trial or test that may lead to discovery.
Real-World Application:
Experimental approaches are used in science, medicine, product design, marketing, and even education to test new ideas before fully implementing them.
Word 5: Constraints
Context:
"Though engineering draws heavily from pure science, it contributes to knowledge, by incorporating the constraints and conditions in the real world." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Constraints" refer to limitations or restrictions that must be acknowledged and worked within. In engineering and real-world problem-solving, constraints may include factors like time, cost, material strength, safety regulations, or environmental impacts. Recognizing and working with these constraints is essential for developing practical, viable solutions as opposed to purely theoretical ideas.
Meaning: A limitation or restriction that controls what can be done (Noun)
Pronunciation: kuhn-STRAYNTS
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French constreinte, from Latin constringere, meaning "to bind together tightly."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Constraints are not your enemyâthey are reality. In fact, great innovation often comes from working creatively within boundaries. Constraints push you to prioritize, adapt, and problem-solve with clarity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: limitations, restrictions, boundaries, curbs, checks
Antonyms: freedom, flexibility, liberty, openness
Usage Examples:
- Designers must often work within tight budget constraints.
- Time constraints forced the team to simplify the original plan.
- Environmental constraints can heavily influence engineering decisions.
- Removing constraints completely can sometimes result in chaos rather than creativity.
Cultural Reference:
âArt lives from constraints and dies from freedom.â â Leonardo da Vinci (attributed), illustrating how limitations can fuel creativity.
Think About It:
What constraints do you face in your daily life or workâand how might they be helping you think more creatively?
Quick Activity:
List 3 constraints in any project or goal youâre currently working on. Now, write down one innovative solution that works within each constraint.
Memory Tip:
âConstraintâ contains the word âstrainââthink of something that strains or holds you back, forcing you to stay within limits.
Real-World Application:
In business, technology, and education, constraints like deadlines, budgets, and resources shape every decision. Mastering how to navigate constraints is key to effective leadership and execution.
