UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Passage 2Newton's surprising success at d... Start Learning for Free
Passage 2
Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.
Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.
Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:
  • a)
    scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the future
  • b)
    all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocity
  • c)
    the theory of quantum mechanics would be false
  • d)
    Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's Position
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of mot...
The end of the first paragraph states that "if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state of the universe." Thus, if scientific determinism were true, scientists in theory could predict the future.
The passage says choice B is not true because of the uncertainty principle, but it does not imply that this fact would be true if determinism were also true.
Choice C is not necessarily true; if scientific determinism were true, it would mean scientists could predict the future in theory, even if practically there were no way to do it.
Choice D is not correct because the equations have nothing to do with determinism.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of mot...


Explanation:

If scientific determinism were true:

- Scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the future.
- This is because according to Laplace's argument, if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state of the universe.
- This suggests that with complete knowledge of the initial conditions of all particles, the future state of the universe could be determined with certainty.

- All the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocity.
- Scientific determinism posits that with complete knowledge of the initial conditions of all particles, their positions and velocities could be measured accurately.

- The theory of quantum mechanics would be false.
- Quantum mechanics introduced the uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to accurately measure both the position and velocity of a particle at one time.
- If scientific determinism were true, the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics would be invalidated.

- Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's position.
- Under the concept of scientific determinism, if all initial conditions were known, Schrodinger's equation could be used to accurately calculate the position of a particle at any given time.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - Scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the future.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Passage 2Newtons surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplaces omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particles future wave function. These calculations can give the particles position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplaces view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the authors conclusion in the passages final sentence?

Passage 2Newtons surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplaces omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particles future wave function. These calculations can give the particles position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplaces view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. According to the passage, wave functions

Passage 2Newtons surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplaces omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particles future wave function. These calculations can give the particles position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplaces view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

Top Courses for UPSC

Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Passage 2Newton's surprising success at developing the laws of motion, as well as the development and refinement of other physical laws, led to the idea of scientific determinism. The first expression of this principle was in the beginning of the nineteenth century by Laplace, a French scientist. Laplace argued that if one knew the position and velocity of all the particles in the universe at a given time, the laws of physics would be able to predict the future state ofthe universe.Scientific determinism held sway over a great many scientists until the early twentieth century, when the quantum mechanics revolution occurred. Quantum mechanics introduced the world to the idea of the uncertainty principle, which stated that it was impossible to accurately measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at one time. Because Laplace's omniscience could never occur, even in theory, the principle of scientific determinism was thrown into doubt. However, quantum mechanics does allow for a reduced form of scientific determinism. Even though physicists are unable to know precisely where a particle is and what its velocity is, they can determine certain probabilities about its position and velocity. These probabilities are called wave functions. By use of a formula known as the Schrodinger equation, a scientist with the wave function of a particle at a given time can calculate the particle's future wave function. These calculations can give the particle's position or velocity, but not both. Thus, the physicist is in possession of exactly half ofthe information needed to satisfy Laplace's view ofdeterminism. Unfortunately, under modern physics theories, that is far as any researcher can go in predicting the future.Q. The passage suggests that if scientific determinism were true:a)scientists would, in theory, be able to predict the futureb)all the particles in the universe would have a measurable position and velocityc)the theory of quantum mechanics would be falsed)Schrodinger's equation could be used to calculate any particle's PositionCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev