PSAT Reading Question 390: Answer and Explanation

Question: 390

As used in line 17, "imparting" most nearly means

• A. breaking.
• B. defining.
• C. reproducing.
• D. bestowing.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Based on the context of the paragraph, the Higgs boson is giving or "bestowing" mass to particles that would otherwise be massless. It is not breaking down particles but, instead, slowing them down, making choice (A) incorrect. The Higgs boson is not defining the particles, as in choice (B), since it is helping the particles come into a masslike form rather than giving them their essence. It is not causing more particles to be created from each other, making choice (C) incorrect.