Which Method Is Most Precise; Which Is Most Accurate?

A. D. Jordan
Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (9), p 1459
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p1459
Publication Date (Web): September 1, 2007

Abstract

A simple experiment, the determination of the density of a liquid by several methods, is presented. Since the concept of density is a familiar one, the experiment is suitable for the introductory laboratory period of a first- or second-year course in physical or analytical chemistry. The main objective of the experiment is to familiarize students with the concepts of precision and accuracy using data that can be acquired easily with a variety of volumetric apparatus and that can be analyzed by simple statistics and a linear regression. The added bonus of this experiment is that it provides a vehicle for reinforcing good and safe laboratory practices, for training in the use of volumetric techniques that will be encountered throughout the term, and for laying the foundations for the proper acquisition and analysis of data.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Liquids
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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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