Question 1 · 1 mark · Difficulty 2/3
A student investigating the effect of temperature on the rate of fermentation in cane juice planned to use five different temperatures. Which of the following is the MOST suitable range of temperatures to use in this investigation?
- 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C
- 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C
- 0°C, 25°C, 50°C, 75°C, 100°C
- 30°C, 35°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A — 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C
Award 1 mark for selecting 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C. This range provides regular 10°C intervals covering the typical range for enzyme activity and fermentation. B is incorrect because the temperature range is too narrow (only 4°C difference) to show significant changes in fermentation rate. C is incorrect because 0°C and 100°C are extreme temperatures that would stop fermentation entirely, providing no useful comparative data. D is incorrect because the intervals are irregular and the range focuses only on high temperatures where enzymes would denature.