Question

As part of an experiment to determine the density of a new plastic developed in her laboratory, Sara Ann Dippity measures the volume of a solid sample. Her four trials yield volumes of 12.37 cm3, 12.41 cm3, 12.39 cm3, and 12.38 cm3. Measurements of other scientists in the lab give an average volume of 12.49 cm3. Which of the following statements represents the best analysis of the data?

1) Sara's results have low precision and high accuracy.
2) Sara's results have high precision and high accuracy.
3) Sara's results have greater precision than accuracy.
4) Sara's results have greater accuracy than precision.
5) Sara has been using a faulty instrument to measure the volume.

Answer 1

Sara's volume measurements are very close to each other, showing high precision, but do not align closely with the lab's average measurement, indicating a lack of accuracy. Thus, Sara's results have greater precision than accuracy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sara Ann Dippity's experiment to determine the density of a newly developed plastic involves measuring the volume of a solid plastic sample. Considering Sara's trial volumes of 12.37 cm³, 12.41 cm³, 12.39 cm³, and 12.38 cm³, and comparing them to the lab average of 12.49 cm³, we can analyze her data.

Sara's results are highly precise because her measurements are very close to each other, varying by only a few hundredths of a cubic centimeter. However, they are not as accurate when compared to the average volume measurement made by other scientists in the lab. Therefore, Sara's results have greater precision than accuracy, which corresponds to statement (3) from the given options.

It is important to note that there is not enough information to conclude that Sara has been using a faulty instrument (option 5). The discrepancy could be due to calibration issues or systematic errors not related to the instrument's functionality.