PT141.S4.Q13

PrepTest 141 - Section 4 - Question 13

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In early 2003, scientists detected methane in the atmosphere of Mars. Methane is a fragile compound that falls apart when hit by the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. So any methane in the Martian atmosphere must have been released into the atmosphere relatively recently.

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13.

The argument relies on the assumption that

a

Mars had no methane in its atmosphere prior to 2003

b

all methane in the Martian atmosphere is eventually exposed to sunlight

c

methane cannot be detected until it has started to fall apart

d

the methane that the scientists detected had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation

e

methane in Earth's atmosphere does not fall apart as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation

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