Question

using the data below, which student was the most precise with their measurements?
data collected during a particular lab:
density of an aluminum cube (g/cm³):

	student a	student b	student c
trial 2	2.725	1.525	1.525
trial 3	2.660	1.562	3.262
ave.	2.672	1.540	2.306

actual density of al = 2.699 g/cm³
student a
student b
student c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall precision concept

Precision refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other. We calculate the range of each student's measurements.

Step2: Calculate range for Student A

Range of Student A = $\max(2.632, 2.725, 2.660)-\min(2.632, 2.725, 2.660)=2.725 - 2.632=0.093$.

Step3: Calculate range for Student B

Range of Student B = $\max(1.532, 1.525, 1.562)-\min(1.532, 1.525, 1.562)=1.562 - 1.525 = 0.037$.

Step4: Calculate range for Student C

Range of Student C = $\max(2.132, 1.525, 3.262)-\min(2.132, 1.525, 3.262)=3.262 - 1.525 = 1.737$.

Step5: Compare ranges

Since $0.037<0.093<1.737$, Student B has the smallest range of measurements.

Answer:

Student B