Question

A team of scientists is conducting tests to measure the boiling point of a liquid using a thermometer in the liquid. The team is then recording the temperature where the liquid changes from a liquid to a gas rapidly. After 100 trials, the results are 5 degrees below the expected results. Which next step is most reasonable? (1 point)
Responses

checking the insulation of the apparatus to find out if heat is escaping
checking the insulation of the apparatus to find out if heat is escaping

assuming that the new results are incorrect
assuming that the new results are incorrect

checking the calibration of the thermometer to ensure that it is giving accurate readings
checking the calibration of the thermometer to ensure that it is giving accurate readings

assuming that the previous measurements are incorrect

Answer 1

checking the calibration of the thermometer to ensure that it is giving accurate readings

Reason: a consistent 5° low bias across 100 trials indicates a systematic error (most likely instrument miscalibration), so verify the thermometer first.