Final answer:
The best chart for showing time-based data among the given options is the Line Chart, as it efficiently indicates trends and changes over time, while other chart types may lack clarity in representing temporal data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Choosing the Right Chart for Time-based Data
When presenting time-based data, it is important to select a chart type that effectively communicates the information. Among the options provided – A. Pie Chart, B. Line Chart, C. Bar Chart, and D. Scatter Plot – the Line Chart is the best choice for showing data over time. Line charts use continuous lines to represent changes in data points as they occur over a period. This allows for clear visualization of trends, growth patterns, ascents, and descents in the data set.
Pie Charts are useful when demonstrating how a whole is divided into separate parts, particularly when comparing proportions. However, they are not ideal for depicting changes over time, especially when there are numerous categories as they may become cluttered and hard to interpret.
Bar Charts can display data changes over time by using separate bars for different time intervals, but they may not be as effective as line charts in showing the continuity and flow of data. Scatter Plots are typically used for depicting the relationship between two variables and spotting trends, rather than focusing on time-based development.