Yeah, I know what you mean. Do you have a specific example of a question where you know the knowledge but it is down to two anyways? Perhaps looking at that will provide insight to answering future such questions.
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Ok so here are two examples I can use that I got from EK, but they are very similar to things you can find here and there on the MCAT.
EXAMPLE 1) This is a passage about an experiment in regards to freezing point depression. There is info about the experiment and how there is a test tube of cyclohexane which has some solid dissolved in it along with a copper stirrer. The test tube is then bathed in an ice bucket and the time is measured at different intervals.
The questions asks:
The purpose of the copper stirrer is:
A) To ensure that the solid stays in solution
B) To create heat to offset the chilling effect of the bath
C) to ensure that the solution temperature remains homogenous
D) To allow the student to see when crystals begin to form
I narrowed it down to A and C. However, I incorrectly chose A thinking that since it is an experiment on colligative properties then it would make sense to want the solid dissolved in solution.
The actual answer is: A. The book states that the stirring causes the heat to be equally distributed throughout the solution by convection.
These are the types of questions I have the most difficulty with (not the content specifically). I tried looking for some clues in the passage, but could not find any so I feel like in these types of questions I am always sort of lost.
EXAMPLE 2) There was a discrete questions about two glasses of water that are filled with water to different levels. Glass A had more water in it than glass B. It then asks which glass will vibrate at a higher frequency?
A) Glass B because more air in the glass will create resonance at a longer wavelength
B) Glass B because less water in the glass results in less inertia which allows the glass to vibrate at a higher frequency
C) glass A because less air in the glass will create resonance at a shorter wavelength
D) glass A because more water in the glass lowers the frequency at which the glass can vibrate
I was easily able to narrow it down to C and B because they both have either shorter wavelength/higher frequency as part of the answer which is what we would look for in a higher pitch. However, I incorrectly chose C as my answer because I thought since it has more water sound will transfer faster and the pitch will be higher (stupid reasoning). So now I see why B is the correct answer and I can maybe see myself doing this one correct if given more thought. Overall, the content material aside, these types of questions really get to me from what I have noticed. Any input on what I can do to be more successful on these types of questions would be appreciated.
