Question

Two students, Garrison and Isabella, determined the mass of an object on two different balances. The accepted mass of the object was 2.355 g. Garrison obtained values of 2.531 g, 2.537 g, 2.535 g and 2.533 g. Isabella obtained values of 2.350 g, 2.404 g, 2.296 g and 2.370 g. Which statement best describes the results that were obtained by Garrison and Isabella?

a. Student #1 obtained better accuracy

b. Student #2 obtained better accuracy

c. Student #1 obtained better precision

d. Student #2 obtained better precision

Answer 1

Garrison obtained better accuracy, while Garrison obtained better precision.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accepted mass of the object was 2.355 g. Garrison obtained values of 2.531 g, 2.537 g, 2.535 g and 2.533 g. Isabella obtained values of 2.350 g, 2.404 g, 2.296 g and 2.370 g.

To determine which student obtained better accuracy, we need to compare their values to the accepted mass. Garrison's values are relatively close to the accepted mass, with differences of 0.176 g, 0.182 g, 0.180 g, and 0.178 g. Isabella's values have larger differences, ranging from 0.005 g to 0.059 g. Therefore, Garrison obtained better accuracy.

Precision refers to the consistency and reproducibility of measurements. To determine which student obtained better precision, we need to examine the variability of their values. Garrison's values have a small range of 0.005 g, indicating high precision. Isabella's values have a larger range of 0.108 g, indicating lower precision. Therefore, Garrison obtained better precision.