Question

melting point results (°c)
trial | group 1 | group 2 | group 3 | group 4
1 | 113 | 114 | 116 | 110
2 | 111 | 115 | 113 | 111
3 | 110 | 111 | 114 | 111
4 | 110 | 110 | 113 | 110

each of four groups of students determined and recorded the melting point of a solid compound. if the actual melting point is 113°c, which group had the least precision?
options: group 2, group 3, group 1, group 4

Explanation:

To determine which group had the least precision, we analyze the spread (range) of each group's data. Precision refers to the consistency of measurements (how close the values are to each other). The range is calculated as \( \text{Range} = \text{Maximum value} - \text{Minimum value} \). A larger range indicates less precision.

Group 1:

Data: \( 113, 111, 110, 110 \)
Max = \( 113 \), Min = \( 110 \)
Range = \( 113 - 110 = 3 \)

Group 2:

Data: \( 114, 115, 111, 110 \)
Max = \( 115 \), Min = \( 110 \)
Range = \( 115 - 110 = 5 \)

Group 3:

Data: \( 116, 113, 114, 113 \)
Max = \( 116 \), Min = \( 113 \)
Range = \( 116 - 113 = 3 \)

Group 4:

Data: \( 110, 111, 111, 110 \)
Max = \( 111 \), Min = \( 110 \)
Range = \( 111 - 110 = 1 \)

Group 2 has the largest range (\( 5 \)), meaning its measurements are the most spread out. Thus, Group 2 has the least precision.

Answer:

Group 2