Question

identifying sources of error
which are potential sources of error in the experiment? check all that apply
□ estimating temperature to the nearest tenth of a degree
□ estimating the mass of the sample to the nearest tenth of a gram
□ estimating the thickness of the foam cups
□ the position of the cups of sand and water under the heat lamp
□ the brand of light bulb used for the heat lamp
□ the air temperature outside the lab

Explanation:

• Estimating temperature to the nearest tenth of a degree: This is a measurement uncertainty.
• Estimating the mass of the sample to the nearest tenth of a gram: Also a measurement uncertainty.
• Estimating the thickness of the foam cups: Measurement uncertainty.
• The position of the cups of sand and water under the heat lamp: Can affect heat distribution (experimental setup error).
• The brand of light bulb used for the heat lamp: Different bulbs may have different heat outputs (experimental setup error).
• The air temperature outside the lab: If the lab is not well - insulated, it can affect the internal temperature (external environmental factor).

Answer:

All of the options (estimating temperature to the nearest tenth of a degree, estimating the mass of the sample to the nearest tenth of a gram, estimating the thickness of the foam cups, the position of the cups of sand and water under the heat lamp, the brand of light bulb used for the heat lamp, the air temperature outside the lab) are potential sources of error.