\begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline Material & \begin{tabular}{l} Speed of Sound \\ Waves \end{tabular} \\ \hline Salt water at [tex]$10^{\circ} F$[/tex] & [tex]$1,490 \, m/s$[/tex] \\ \hline Salt water at [tex]$20^{\circ} F$[/tex] & [tex]$1,522 \, m/s$[/tex] \\ \hline Fresh water at [tex]$30^{\circ} F$[/tex] & [tex]$1,507 \, m/s$[/tex] \\ \hline Fresh water at [tex]$50^{\circ} F$[/tex] & [tex]$1,541 \, m/s$[/tex] \\ \hline \end{tabular}
Which is the best improvement Jennifer could make to this investigation to test her hypothesis?
A. Take more sample measurements to get a more accurate speed at each temperature. B. Test different types of sound waves in different types of water. C. Test only one type of water at a larger range of temperatures. D. Take measurements at higher water temperatures.
To determine the best improvement Jennifer could make to her investigation to test her hypothesis, let's analyze the options provided:
1. Take more sample measurements to get a more accurate speed at each temperature. - While taking more samples can improve accuracy, it does not necessarily address a potential underlying factor that we may need to control or vary systematically to ensure robust conclusions.
2. Test different types of sound waves in different types of water. - Testing different types of sound waves might introduce more variables and complexity to the investigation, making it harder to isolate the effect of temperature on the speed of sound in water.
3. Test only one type of water at a larger range of temperatures. - Focusing on one type of water reduces the variability associated with different water types and allows a clearer analysis of how temperature alone affects the speed of sound in that specific type of water. This method allows for a more controlled and focused study of one variable (temperature).
4. Take measurements at higher water temperatures. - While taking measurements at higher temperatures might seem useful, it doesn't necessarily control for the different types of water. Combining this with other types could still lead to unclear results.
Considering the options, the best improvement would be to focus on testing only one type of water at a larger range of temperatures, as this would provide clearer insights into how temperature alone affects the speed of sound in that specific type of water without the confounding effect of different types of water.
Therefore, the best improvement Jennifer could make to her investigation is: Test only one type of water at a larger range of temperatures.
