Two groups of students competed to see who could dissolve 5 grams of salt in 50 mL of water the fastest. The table shows the methods they used.Step Group X Group Y1 measured 50 mL of water into a 200 mL graduated cylinder measured 50 mL of water into a 100 mL graduated cylinder2 added 5 grams of salt with a cup added 5 grams of salt with a spoon3 stirred gently for 1 minute stirred vigorously for 1 minute4 recorded the time with a stopwatch recorded the time with a wristwatchWhich group most likely dissolved the salt faster?A group X because they used a larger cylinderB group X because they used a cup to add the saltC group Y because they stirred the water vigorouslyD group Y because they used a wristwatch to record time

Based on the information provided, we can analyze the methods used by Group X and Group Y to determine which group most likely dissolved the salt faster.

Step 1: Group X measured 50 mL of water into a 200 mL graduated cylinder, while Group Y measured 50 mL of water into a 100 mL graduated cylinder.

Step 2: Both groups added 5 grams of salt, with Group X using a cup and Group Y using a spoon.

Step 3: Group X stirred gently for 1 minute, while Group Y stirred vigorously for 1 minute.

Step 4: Both groups recorded the time, with Group X using a stopwatch and Group Y using a wristwatch.

Based on these steps, we can eliminate options A and B. The size of the graduated cylinder used does not affect the speed of salt dissolution, and the method of adding the salt (cup vs. spoon) is unlikely to have a significant impact.

The crucial factor in salt dissolution is the stirring method. Group Y stirred the water vigorously for 1 minute, which suggests that they created more agitation and movement in the solution. This increased agitation is likely to result in faster salt dissolution.

Therefore, the most likely answer is option C: Group Y dissolved the salt faster because they stirred the water vigorously. The use of a wristwatch to record time (option D) is not relevant to the speed of salt dissolution.