Final answer:
Continuous stirring of water during temperature measurement ensures the heat is evenly distributed, preventing superheating and leading to more accurate temperature readings, particularly during phase changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stirring water continuously while measuring the temperature is important because it helps achieve a uniform temperature throughout the liquid. In an experiment where heat is applied, such as heating water on a stove, the temperature near the heat source can be higher than in other parts of the container. Stirring prevents superheating and ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, allowing for an accurate temperature reading. It is especially crucial during a phase change, as additional heat goes into changing the state rather than increasing the temperature. Continuous stirring enables an accurate measurement of the temperature which remains constant during the phase change, such as when ice melts at 0°C or water boils at 100°C under normal atmospheric pressure.