(A) merging the nuclei of atoms and not splitting them apart, as in nuclear reactors
(B) merging the nuclei of atoms instead of splitting them apart, like nuclear reactors
(C) merging the nuclei of atoms rather than splitting them apart, as nuclear reactors do
(D) and merges the nuclei of atoms but does not split them apart, as is done in unclear reactors
(E) and merges the nuclei of atoms, unlike atomic reactors that split them apart
Solution:
OG Solution: Idiom + Logical predication
And not is an awkward way to establish a contrast; instead of, rather than, or unlike are more appropriate idioms to express a contrast. The comma following bombs is paired with the comma following apart, and this comma pair sets off the participial phrase introduced by merging. As introduces a clause; since a clause requires a subject and a verb, as cannot be followed by the prepositional phrase in nuclear reactors.
(A) And not is not a correct idiom; as should be followed by a clause
(B) Although like can grammatically be followed by a noun phrase such as nuclear reactors, here the basis of comparison is nuclear, and the usage is incorrect
(C) Correct. Rather than is a correct idiom for comparison in this sentence; as is followed by a clause with a subject, nuclear reactors, and a verb, do; the comparison is clear and complete.
(D) Illogical and awkward construction attempts to make merges the second verb of the restrictive clause parallel to powers and does not split; punctuation makes clear this separate action cannot be the case; as is done is awkward and wordy
(E) Illogical and awkward construction incorrectly makes merges the second verb of the restrictive clause and a separate action parallel to powers; comparison is awkwardly drawn; switch from nuclear to atomic is unexplained and unsupported
Sentence Correction - 1000 Questions with Solution:
