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chemistry help

I have a chemistry question,
Calculate the maximum percentage apparatus error ( uncertainty) in the final result. Standard errors ( uncertainties) in the apparatus are as follows

Balance +_0.001g
Volumetric flask +/-0.1cm3
25 cm3 pipette +/- 0.1cm3
Burette (start and end reading and the end point) +/- 0.15cm3

Please I really need help :frown:
Original post by stacey0987
I have a chemistry question,
Calculate the maximum percentage apparatus error ( uncertainty) in the final result. Standard errors ( uncertainties) in the apparatus are as follows

Balance +_0.001g
Volumetric flask +/-0.1cm3
25 cm3 pipette +/- 0.1cm3
Burette (start and end reading and the end point) +/- 0.15cm3

Please I really need help :frown:


percentage errors in operations can be added to give a total percent error.

Individual percentage errors are calculated by (100 * actual inaccuracy/reading)

For example:

Your volumetric flask is 250 ml ± 0.1

Then the percentage inaccuracy = 100 * 0.1/250
(edited 8 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by charco
percentage errors in operations can be added to give a total percent error.

Individual percentage errors are calculated by (100 * actual inaccuracy/reading)

For example:

Your volumetric flask is 250 ml ± 0.1

Then the percentage inaccuracy = 100 * 0.1/250


so the answer turns out to be 0.04 is that right ?
Original post by stacey0987
so the answer turns out to be 0.04 is that right ?


For the volumetric flask, yes.
Reply 4
Original post by charco
For the volumetric flask, yes.


Great thanks :biggrin: but I have trouble finding the unit is it cm3 and am I supposed to put a plus or minus sign next to it ?
Original post by stacey0987
Great thanks :biggrin: but I have trouble finding the unit is it cm3 and am I supposed to put a plus or minus sign next to it ?


same units as the measurement. Yes, it is expressed with a plus-minus
Reply 6
Original post by charco
same units as the measurement. Yes, it is expressed with a plus-minus


so the full answer is +/-0.4cm3
do i need to put a percentage sign anywhere I do not think so
Original post by stacey0987
so the full answer is +/-0.4cm3
do i need to put a percentage sign anywhere I do not think so


yes, you must differentiate between absolute and percentage uncertainty

250 ml ± 0.04%

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