Question

The simulation kept track of the time and automatically recorded data on cart displacement and velocity. If the cart trials were run with a real cart and fan using meter sticks and stopwatches, how might the data compare? Check all that apply.

There would be variables that would be hard to control, leading to less reliable data.
The data would be just as valid if it were recorded with a stopwatch.
Meter sticks may lack precision or may be read incorrectly.
Real fans will always perform exactly the same as virtual fans.
Human error in recording or plotting the data could be a factor.

Answer 1

Select:
- There would be variables that would be hard to control, leading to less reliable data. (Yes — real friction, air currents, surface irregularities, fan thrust variability, etc., introduce uncontrolled variation.)
- Meter sticks may lack precision or may be read incorrectly. (Yes — limited resolution and parallax/reading errors reduce precision.)
- Human error in recording or plotting the data could be a factor. (Yes — reaction time with a stopwatch, misreading, misplotting, transcription errors.)

Do not select:
- The data would be just as valid if it were recorded with a stopwatch. (No — stopwatch timing adds human reaction-time error and lower precision, so it’s generally less accurate/precise than automated timing.)
- Real fans will always perform exactly the same as virtual fans. (No — real fans vary with power source, wear, manufacturing tolerances, and operating conditions.)