Electronic computer chips made of tiny silicon wafers now regularly contain millions of electronic switches. Unfortunately, electronic switches that are this small cannot withstand intense radiation. Micro-Mechanics plans to produce a chip that, because it uses only microscopic mechanical switches, will be invulnerable to radiation damage. The switches will, however, be slower than electronic switches and the chip will contain only 12,000 switches.

Option A is wrong because is strengthens the argument. It takes care of the demerits of Micro-Mechanics switches. This means that it clearly states that it is possible to have speeds that lower with MM switches than those by electronic switches, hence there is a possibility for MM switches to enter the market because of its lower speed.

Option B is also a valid strengthener. This option compares chip made with electronic switches and those made of MM switches. Since there are only 12000 MM switches, it tries to state that MM chips would be better than electronic chips as a result of their radiation-resistance.

Option C is also a very valid strengthener of the argument. It states that MM switches would fare better where there is a need for intense radiation, hence there is a possibility for a market for MM chips.

Option D is also a valid strengthener, as it depicts a necessary condition for there to exist a market for MM chips. Hence it is not just a strengthener, but it is a condition.

Option E is the correct option because it weakens any conditions for a market to exist for MM chips. It states that the only advantage of MM chips over electronic chips is something that manufacturers of electronic chips can also incorporate in their product, hence there will be no need for a market for MM chips