Select the best answer for the question. A student conducts an experiment to see how music affects plant growth. The student obtains four identical plants. Each one is potted in the same type of soil and receives the same amount of sunlight and water each day. Plant A listens to classical music for three hours each day. Plant B listens to rock music for three hours each day. Plant C listens to country music for three hours each day. Plant D does not listen to any music at all. 2. Based on the experiment in the scenario, which visual aid would be most helpful in showing the change in the plants’ heights over time? A. A timeline B. A line graph C. A bar graph D. A pie chart Mark for review (Will be highlighted on the review page)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
ChatGPT said:
Correct Answer: B. A line graph
Explanation
In scientific experiments that involve measuring changes over time, a line graph is typically the most effective and informative type of visual aid. In the given experiment, the student is trying to determine how different types of music (classical, rock, country, and none) affect plant growth, specifically by measuring the height of the plants over a period of time. Since the data involves multiple measurements taken at regular time intervals (e.g., daily or weekly height measurements), a line graph is ideal.
A line graph shows data points plotted over time and connects them with lines, making it easier to observe trends, patterns, and changes in growth for each plant. Each plant can be represented with a different colored line, allowing viewers to compare the growth trajectories of all four plants clearly and simultaneously. This format also allows the student to identify if any type of music had a consistently positive or negative impact on growth.
Let’s consider the other options:
- A timeline (Option A) would show events in chronological order but is not effective for showing measurable data such as plant height.
- A bar graph (Option C) is useful for comparing final plant heights at the end of the experiment but does not show how the plants grew over time.
- A pie chart (Option D) shows parts of a whole and is inappropriate for tracking changes or comparisons across time-based data.
Therefore, because the experiment involves continuous data over time and requires comparison between multiple groups, a line graph (B) is the most helpful visual aid for analyzing and presenting the results of the student’s experiment effectively.
