Question

question 5 of 10 a student wants to compare the amounts of co₂ given off by yeast provided with different amounts of sugar. the student places a balloon over each container to catch the released co₂. which observation is a qualitative observation the student can make?
a. a measurement of the circumference of each balloon
b. a visual count of individual co₂ molecules in each balloon
c. a measurement of the approximate size of each balloon
d. a description of the shape of each balloon

Explanation:

1. First, recall the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations: Qualitative observations are descriptive (non - numerical), while quantitative are numerical measurements.
2. Analyze Option A: Measuring the circumference of a balloon is a numerical measurement (quantitative), so A is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option B: Counting individual \(CO_2\) molecules is not feasible visually, and counting is a quantitative measure. Also, we can't see individual \(CO_2\) molecules with the naked eye, so B is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option C: Measuring the approximate size (if it involves numerical values like diameter, volume estimates with numbers) is quantitative. Even if it's an approximation, if it's a numerical measure, it's quantitative. So C is incorrect.
5. Analyze Option D: Describing the shape of each balloon (e.g., round, oval, etc.) is a non - numerical, descriptive (qualitative) observation.

Answer:

D. A description of the shape of each balloon