Use the data table and information below to answer the following questions. A scientist used a laboratory model to test the effect of radiation, or the sun, in heating land and water on Earth. To do this experiment, 200 mL of water and dry sand were placed in to 2 separate 250-mL beakers. Each beaker was then placed under the same lamp. Temperature readings were taken of each substance every 2 minutes for 8 minutes.

Use the data table to answer the following questions.

Substance Heated
Starting Temp (°C)
2 min
4 min
6 min
8 min
Water
18
18.5
19.5
21
22
Dry Sand
18
20
22
24
26

In an experiment like this, why would you record data in a table like the one above?