Scientists in a laboratory were working with insulin, a protein often used to treat diabetes. They left two identical vials of insulin in different places. This table shows how the temperature of each vial changed over 15minutes.

Question

Vial Initial temperature (°C) Final temperature (°C)
Vial on the counter 2.5 5.9
Vial in the refrigerator 2.5 4.0

Answer 1

The data in the table shows the change in temperature for two identical vials of insulin over 15 minutes:

• Vial on the counter:

  • Initial temperature: 2.5 °C
  • Final temperature: 5.9 °C
  • Change in temperature: \( 5.9 - 2.5 = 3.4 \) °C

• Vial in the refrigerator:

  • Initial temperature: 2.5 °C
  • Final temperature: 4.0 °C
  • Change in temperature: \( 4.0 - 2.5 = 1.5 \) °C

Summary of Findings:

1. Temperature Change:

   • The vial on the counter experienced a temperature increase of 3.4 °C.
   • The vial in the refrigerator experienced a temperature increase of 1.5 °C.

2. Comparison:

   • The vial on the counter warmed up more significantly compared to the vial in the refrigerator.
   • This suggests that keeping the insulin in a refrigerator helps maintain a more stable and lower temperature.

Conclusion:

The difference in temperature changes indicates that the refrigerated vial is better at preserving the lower initial temperature of the insulin, which is important for maintaining its stability and efficacy.