Read this excerpt from "Choreographers of Matter, Life, and Intelligence."But the few wondrous shells and pebbles picked up by Newton and other scientists on the seashore helped to trigger a marvelous chain of events. A profound transformation occurred in human society. With Newton’s mechanics came powerful machines, and eventually the steam engine, the motive force which reshaped the world by overturning agrarian society, spawning factories and stimulating commerce, unleashing the industrial revolution, and opening up entire continents with the railroad.Select the most accurate summary of Kaku’s argument.
Answer
A
Newton’s scientific study transformed knowledge of the ocean and encouraged countless transformative inventions.
B
Newton’s discoveries led to the invention of machines and the beginning of an industrialized society.
C
Newton’s invention of the steam engine revolutionized transportation around the world.
D
Newton’s followers invented the machines that later stimulated factory productivity and success.
Explanation
Kaku argues that Newton’s mechanics helped bring about powerful machines and, eventually, the steam engine. These developments helped create factories, expand commerce, and launch the Industrial Revolution, so the best summary is that Newton’s discoveries led to machines and an industrialized society. Choice C is too strong because the excerpt does not say Newton invented the steam engine.
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