Question

Which are potential sources of error in the experiment? Check all that apply.

estimating temperature to the nearest tenth of a degree
estimating the mass of the sample to the nearest tenth of a gram
estimating the thickness of the foam cups
the position of the cups of sand and water under the heat lamp
the brand of light bulb used for the heat lamp
the air temperature outside the lab

Answer 1

Check these as potential sources of error:
- estimating temperature to the nearest tenth of a degree — yes (measurement/reading uncertainty)
- estimating the mass of the sample to the nearest tenth of a gram — yes (measurement/reading uncertainty)
- estimating the thickness of the foam cups — yes (affects insulation; uncertainty if not measured)
- the position of the cups of sand and water under the heat lamp — yes (distance/angle changes heating rate)

Do not check:
- the brand of light bulb used for the heat lamp — usually not a source if the same bulb is used consistently (brand only matters if bulbs differ)
- the air temperature outside the lab — unlikely to affect the experiment if conducted inside a controlled room (room temperature/air currents inside the lab would matter, not outside air)