Question

Gayla measured the temperature of two identical cups of water over three hours. One cup was kept in a dark cupboard. The other cup was kept under a lamp. Her data is shown in the table below.

Temperature of Water Over Time

Time
Passed Temperature of Water
In the Dark Under a Lamp
start 25°C 25°C
one hour 25°C 35°C
two hours 25°C 45°C
three hours 25°C 55°C

A good scientific explanation uses both the data and an interpretation of the data.

Which of the following is the best explanation for the results of this experiment?
A.
The light shining on the water was changed into heat energy, which increased the temperature of the water.
B.
The temperature of the water under the lamp increased, but the temperature of the water in the dark did not.
C.
The light energy turned into sound energy, which raised the temperature of the water.
D.
The temperature of the water increased because the air conditioner in the room was off.

Answer 1

A: The light shining on the water was changed into heat energy, which increased the temperature of the water.

Step-by-step explanation:

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The best explanation for the results of Gayla's experiment is that the light shining on the water was changed into heat energy which increased the temperature of the water.

This explanation is not only based on the fact that the temperature of the water under the lamp increased and the temperature of the water in the dark did not, but it also explains how the light energy that came from the lamp changed into heat energy and warmed the water.