In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank:
Researchers in quantum computing face the twin difficulties of (1)_____ qubit coherence and (2)_____ error rates. While superconducting qubits have shown promise, maintaining coherence beyond microseconds remains (3)_____ due to environmental decoherence. Furthermore, scaling up the number of qubits requires (4)_____ control electronics that themselves introduce noise. To overcome these hurdles, teams are exploring (5)_____ techniques such as surface codes and topological qubits.
What should come in the place of blank 1?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The passage discusses the "difficulties" faced in quantum computing.
Contextual Clue: Blank 1 refers to "qubit coherence." Later, the text mentions that maintaining this coherence "remains [difficult] due to environmental decoherence."
Meaning: Since coherence is lost very quickly (often in microseconds), it is short-lived. Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time, which perfectly describes the fleeting nature of qubit coherence that researchers struggle to overcome.
To durable: Grammatically incorrect and the opposite of the intended meaning (long-lasting).
Permanent: Incorrect; if coherence were permanent, it wouldn't be a "difficulty."
Perennial: Incorrect; this means lasting for a long time or recurring, which does not fit the fragile nature of qubits.
Therefore, the most appropriate word for blank 1 is ephemeral.