Question

A team of students is collecting measurements of the melting point of a certain solid. The team determines a result of 37.0 ±
0.5 ºC after a single trial. Through research, the team finds that the accepted value of the melting point of the substance is 31.6ºC. What conclusion can the team draw from this result?(2 points)

No conclusion. They should try several trials and collect and average data before making a comparison.

It appears as though their data is close enough to the accepted value.

The experiment should be reviewed and revised, checking data collection methods.

The experiment has likely uncovered a more accurate value of the melting point of this substance.

Answer 1

The accepted value (31.6 °C) lies well outside the measurement uncertainty range (37.0 ± 0.5 °C → 36.5–37.5 °C). That indicates a significant (likely systematic) error in the experiment. Conclusion: The experiment should be reviewed and revised, checking data‑collection methods (and repeat trials).