PrepTest 94+, Section 2, Question 19
Geologist: As a spinning object's radius decreases, its rate of rotation increases; for example, figure skaters can twirl faster by bringing their arms closer to their sides. This law of physics helps to explain why, over the past decade, Earth's rate of rotation increased. For earthquakes have increased in number and severity during the past decade; and since immediately after an earthquake Earth's tectonic plates move toward the center of the earth, their movement causes Earth's radius to decrease.
Geologist: As a spinning object's radius decreases, its rate of rotation increases; for example, figure skaters can twirl faster by bringing their arms closer to their sides. This law of physics helps to explain why, over the past decade, Earth's rate of rotation increased. For earthquakes have increased in number and severity during the past decade; and since immediately after an earthquake Earth's tectonic plates move toward the center of the earth, their movement causes Earth's radius to decrease.
Geologist: As a spinning object's radius decreases, its rate of rotation increases; for example, figure skaters can twirl faster by bringing their arms closer to their sides. This law of physics helps to explain why, over the past decade, Earth's rate of rotation increased. For earthquakes have increased in number and severity during the past decade; and since immediately after an earthquake Earth's tectonic plates move toward the center of the earth, their movement causes Earth's radius to decrease.
Geologist: As a spinning object's radius decreases, its rate of rotation increases; for example, figure skaters can twirl faster by bringing their arms closer to their sides. This law of physics helps to explain why, over the past decade, Earth's rate of rotation increased. For earthquakes have increased in number and severity during the past decade; and since immediately after an earthquake Earth's tectonic plates move toward the center of the earth, their movement causes Earth's radius to decrease.
Which one of the following, if true, would most undermine the geologist's explanation of why Earth's rate of rotation increased over the last decade?
In the beginning of the twentieth century, geologists observed an increase in number and severity of earthquakes, accompanied by a decrease of Earth's radius.
During the past decade, other geological events have counteracted the movements of the tectonic plates that occur immediately after earthquakes.
Only skillful figure skaters succeed in twirling faster by bringing their arms closer to their sides.
Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, Earth's rate of rotation has been known to fluctuate.
Increased volcanic activity over the last ten years suggests that the overall movement of the tectonic plates has increased.
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