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Question

Difficulty: MediumColons, Semicolons, and Dashes

In the nineteenth century, mathematical physicist James Clerk Maxwell proposed a famous thought experiment involving a hypothetical entity _______ a microscopic 'demon' capable of sorting fast and slow molecules to decrease entropy. By separating the molecules based on their thermal energy without performing work, this imaginary creature appeared to violate the second law of thermodynamics.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. entity:Answer
  2. B
    entity;
  3. C
    entity, it was
  4. D
    entity; it being

Answer

The correct option is the one that inserts a colon after "entity".
The punctuation mark must connect the independent clause preceding the blank to the explanatory appositive phrase that follows. A colon is appropriate here because it introduces an explanation, illustration, or definition of a concept mentioned in the preceding independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause structure before the blank.
The clause "In the nineteenth century, mathematical physicist James Clerk Maxwell proposed a famous thought experiment involving a hypothetical entity" is independent.
It contains a complete subject and verb and can stand alone as a sentence.
2
Analyze the structure of the phrase after the blank.
The phrase "a microscopic 'demon' capable of sorting fast and slow molecules to decrease entropy" is a noun phrase that serves as an appositive explaining "entity".
It lacks a finite verb and cannot stand alone as an independent clause.
3
Select the appropriate punctuation mark to link these structures.
A colon is the correct punctuation to introduce explanatory information or an appositive following an independent clause.
A semicolon requires independent clauses on both sides, while a comma splice would occur if a comma were used to link two independent clauses.

Key Concept

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

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