1.
Analyze the table and determine which STUDENT (not trial) reported the most precise data.
Trial
Student A Data (Mass in grams)
Student B Data (Mass in grams)
1
4.43
4.43
2
4.45
4.47
3
4.44
4.50
4
4.43
4.53
Correct Answer
A. Student A
Explanation
Student A reported the most precise data because their measurements consistently stayed within a narrow range (4.43, 4.45, 4.44, 4.43), while Student B's measurements varied more (4.43, 4.47, 4.50, 4.53).
2.
Which of the following will allow the measurement of a liquid’s volume with the greatest precision?
Correct Answer
B. 100 mL cylinder graduated in 0.5 mL increments
Explanation
A 100 mL cylinder graduated in 0.5 mL increments allows for the measurement of a liquid's volume with the greatest precision because the smaller increment size allows for more accurate and precise readings. With increments of 0.5 mL, it is possible to measure volumes between the graduations more precisely compared to the other options. The smaller the increment size, the more precise the measurement can be. Therefore, the 100 mL cylinder graduated in 0.5 mL increments provides the highest level of precision for measuring a liquid's volume.
3.
Which of the following data sets best represents precision if the accepted value is 3.0920?
Correct Answer
C. 5.490, 5.420, 5.8379
Explanation
The data set 5.490, 5.420, 5.8379 best represents precision because all the values in this set are very close to each other and are also close to the accepted value of 3.0920. This indicates that the measurements are consistent and have a small amount of random error. The other data sets have values that are either significantly different from each other or significantly different from the accepted value, indicating less precision.
4.
The chart shows the density of seawater samples collected from the Gulf of Mexico by four different groups. Which group’s data are most precise?
Correct Answer
B. Group 2
Explanation
Based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the group whose data is most precise is Group 2. However, without any specific data or criteria to evaluate precision, it is difficult to provide a more detailed explanation.
5.
A student performed an analysis of a sample for its calcium content and got the following results:
14.92% 14.91% 14.88% 14.91%
The actual amount of calcium in the sample is 14.90%. What conclusions can you draw about the accuracy and precision of these results?
Correct Answer
C. These results are both accurate and precise.
Explanation
The student's results are both accurate and precise because they are all very close to the actual amount of calcium in the sample (14.90%). Accuracy refers to how close the measured values are to the true value, while precision refers to how close the measured values are to each other. In this case, the measured values are all very close to the true value, indicating accuracy, and they are also very close to each other, indicating precision. Therefore, the results are both accurate and precise.
6.
Which tool below is the most precise?
Trial
Volume Shown by Graduated Cylinder
Volume Shown by the Buret
1
25 mL
26.54 mL
2
25 mL
26.51 mL
3
25 mL
26.60 mL
4
25 mL
26.49 mL
5
25 mL
26.57 mL
Average
25 mL
26.54 mL
Correct Answer
A. Buret because it has the smallest increments.
Explanation
The answer is "Buret because it has the smallest increments." The buret is the most precise tool because it has smaller increments, allowing for more accurate measurements. The graduated cylinder may be closest to the actual answer, but the smaller increments of the buret make it more precise.
7.
A student observes a garden plot. Several plants shaded by a tree are not as large as those of the same species growing in the full sun. The student asks, “Why are the plants growing in the shade smaller than the plants growing in the sun?”
Which is the most reasonable hypothesis to explain the student’s observations?
Correct Answer
C. The tree blocks sunlight, lowering the light level in the shaded area. This limits the growth of this plant species, which grows best in direct sunlight.
Explanation
The most reasonable hypothesis to explain the student's observations is that the tree blocks sunlight, lowering the light level in the shaded area. This limited light availability in the shade inhibits the growth of the plant species, which typically thrives in direct sunlight.
8.
A student needs to collect quantitative data about the pendulum lab. Which of the following is NOT considered quantitative data?
Correct Answer
D. The material used to change mass
Explanation
The material used to change mass is not considered quantitative data because it is a qualitative characteristic. Quantitative data refers to information that can be measured or expressed numerically, such as the length of the string, the initial dropping height, and the period of the swing. However, the material used to change mass does not have a numerical value and is instead a descriptive attribute. Therefore, it does not fall under quantitative data.
9.
In the pendulum lab, it was important that we began by....
Correct Answer
B. Making observations
Explanation
In the pendulum lab, it is important to begin by making observations because this allows us to gather information about the pendulum's behavior and characteristics. By carefully observing the pendulum's motion, we can identify patterns, measure variables such as the length and amplitude, and make initial conclusions about how it behaves. These observations serve as the foundation for further investigation and experimentation in the lab.
10.
In our pendulum lab, our hypotheses could have arisen from....
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because hypotheses in the pendulum lab could have been derived from observations, prior knowledge, or inferences. Observations made during the lab, such as the motion of the pendulum, could have led to the formation of hypotheses. Prior knowledge about pendulums and their behavior could have also influenced the hypotheses. Additionally, inferences made based on the observations and prior knowledge could have contributed to the hypotheses. Therefore, all three options - observations, prior knowledge, and inferences - could have played a role in generating the hypotheses for the pendulum lab.