Jen and Ori are conducting an experiment to observe how sand and water absorb energy. They obtain two identical 1000-milliliter (mL) beakers, add 500 mL of distilled water to the first beaker, and 500 cubic centimeters (cm$^3$) of sand to the second beaker. They place both beakers on a hot plate set to medium heat. Thermometers are placed in each beaker and held with clamps. Both beakers are heated for seven minutes and then removed from the hot plate and cooled for an additional fifteen minutes. Jen and Ori record the temperature of each beaker at one-minute intervals.

How could Jen and Ori have increased the reliability of their experiment?

To increase the reliability of their experiment, Jen and Ori should use equal masses of sand and water, repeat their experiment, and use consistent and precise methods for measuring temperature.

If Jen and Ori had made sure they were using equivalent amounts of water and sand for comparison, their experiment would have been more reliable. Since soil and sand have densities that are typically 1.6 times greater than those of water, they may reach roughly equivalent masses by utilizing 50% more water by volume. To guarantee stability in their findings, they might also repeat the experiment several times and utilize control samples.

They may make sure that manual readings are taken on a frequent basis and reliably, or they could utilize temperature probes that are connected to a computer to record temperatures more accurately and consistently. To account for initial temperature variations, let the jars come to room temperature before beginning the heating operation. It is possible to observe the variations in thermal conductivity and heat dispersion within each material by taking temperature readings near the top and then near the bottom of the cups.