Question

n the Data
A 3-column table with 5 rows. Column 1 is unlabeled with entries A, B, C, D, E. Column 2 is labeled Temperature in degrees Celsius with entries 2.4, 21.5, 39.6, 55.6, 71.2. Column 3 is labeled Volume in cubic centimeters with entries 5.8, 5.8, 6.7, 6.9, 7.4.

A student collected the data shown above. Row
✔ B
may represent an error.
What might the student have done that caused this error? List all possible causes.

Answer 1

Row B is suspicious because the volume (5.8 cm³) is identical to A even though the temperature changed substantially. That could be a real result, but it is much more likely to be an error. Possible causes:

Human / transcription errors
- Copied the previous volume by mistake (data-entry/copy–paste error).
- Wrote down the wrong row/label (read A’s result but wrote it under B).
- Transposed digits or mis-typed the number (e.g. 6.8 → 5.8 or 5.3 → 5.8).
- Forgot to record the new measurement and entered a placeholder value that never got updated.

Measurement procedure errors
- Did not wait for the sample to reach thermal equilibrium before measuring volume.
- Measured a different sample (measured A again instead of B).
- Used the wrong instrument or scale (e.g. read the wrong column on the instrument).

Apparatus / instrument problems
- Faulty or sticky measuring device (graduated cylinder/volume sensor gave the same reading).
- Thermometer or temperature probe was not in contact with the sample (temperature recorded incorrectly).
- A bubble or meniscus misread in the volume instrument produced an incorrect reading.
- Leak or loss of sample (e.g. volume changed then returned), or instrument zeroing error.

Sample / experimental differences
- Sample B had a different composition/mass or was insulated, so its volume didn’t change (physically possible but should be checked).
- Evaporation/condensation altered the sample unpredictably, giving a misleading reading.

Recording/units/rounding issues
- Units or rounding conventions were mixed up or applied inconsistently.
- Averaging/misapplied corrections: entered an averaged or corrected value from another trial.

How to check:
- Re-examine the original lab notebook or raw data sheet.
- Re-measure B (and nearby points) and inspect the apparatus.
- Check calibration of instruments and look for transcription patterns (e.g. repeated copying of 5.8).
- Ask the student which step they performed at B (timing, sample handling, instrument used).

Any of the above could explain the repeated 5.8; the simplest checks are to verify the raw notes and repeat the measurement.