A simile can be found when using "like" or "as" between two things. Example: I'm as happy as a clown.
Your question would be a metaphor. Both things are being compared to a science expieriment, probably meaning that they need to have an outcome, but it isn't known for sure if it will be a good or bad outcome.
Things like this can be taken many ways, so if you think something else, I'm sure it would work as well.
Answer:
C. To prove that you read the book or article closely
Explanation:
When you use a quote from a book or article, or whatever you're reading, that shows that you read the book or whatever, which is what option C is saying.
The answer is
"I laughed to myself, wondering which one I would go by."
Explanation:
She is amused by the fact that she has so many nicknames and wonders which one people in the United States will refer to her as.