Final answer:
Option (C), Carlos's measurements are closer to the true value, making them more accurate, while Nolan's measurements are more consistent with each other, making them more precise; thus, the best description is that Carlos has more accurate data, and Nolan has more precise data.
Step-by-step explanation:
We can describe the data collected by Carlos and Nolan by considering two concepts: accuracy and precision. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the consistency of repeated measurements. The true mass of the baseball bat is given as 0.940 kg.
Carlos's measurements are 0.934 kg, 0.941 kg, and 0.944 kg. Compared to the true value, one of Carlos's measurements (0.941 kg) is the closest to the true mass, suggesting he has more accurate data. However, Carlos's measurements vary more widely from each other, indicating less consistency or less precision.
Nolan's measurements are 0.930 kg, 0.931 kg, and 0.932 kg. None of Nolan's measurements are very close to the true value, so they are less accurate, but they are very close to each other, showing high precision.
Therefore, the best description of the data collected by the students is that Carlos has more accurate data, and Nolan has more precise data, which corresponds to option (C).