As chief chemist at Superior Analytical Products (SAP) you must design an experiment to determine the density of an unknown liquid to three (3) significant figures. The density is of the order of 1 g/cm³. You have approximately 7 mL of the liquid and only graduated cylinders and balances are available for your use. Which of the following combinations of equipment will allow you to meet but not exceed your goal? A) graduated cylinder with ±0.1 mL uncertainty; balance with ±0.1 g uncertainty B) graduated cylinder with ±0.01 mL uncertainty; balance with ±0.1 g uncertainty C) graduated cylinder with ±0.01 mL uncertainty; balance with ±0.01 g uncertainty D) graduated cylinder with ±0.001 mL uncertainty; balance with ±0.001 g uncertainty E) graduated cylinder with ±0.1 mL uncertainty; balance with ±0.001 g uncertainty

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine density to three significant figures, both the volume and mass measurements must be precise enough. A graduated cylinder with ±0.01 mL uncertainty and a balance with ±0.01 g uncertainty will provide sufficient precision without exceeding the requirement.

As Chief Chemist at Superior Analytical Products (SAP) You Must