Question

A team of students is collecting measurements of the boiling point of a liquid. The team determines a result of 37.0 +0.5C. Through research, the team finds that the accepted value of the boiling point of the liquid is 37.4C. Which conclusion can the team draw from this result?

1: It appears the data was collected inaccurately.
2: The experiment should be continued until the team comes up with the exact result.
3: The experiment appears to have uncovered a more accurate value of the boiling point.
4: It appears the data was collected accurately.

Answer 1

The student team's result for the boiling point measurement falls within the expected error range of the accepted value, indicating that their data was collected accurately.

Step-by-step explanation:

The team of students collecting measurements of the boiling point of a liquid found a result of 37.0 ±0.5°C. Comparing this to the accepted value of 37.4°C, their result falls within the range of their experimental error (±0.5°C). This suggests that the data was collected accurately, as the accepted value is within the margin of error of their results. Therefore, the correct conclusion the team can draw is: It appears the data was collected accurately.

Their findings do not support the conclusion that they have discovered a more accurate value for the boiling point, and there is no indication that the data was collected inaccurately based on the provided results. Continuing the experiment to obtain an exact match with the accepted value isn't necessary, as measurements in science often include a margin of error that accounts for minor variations and uncertainties inherent in the measurement process.