Chapter 1.3, Problem 16SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:  The quantitative and qualitative data needs to be differentiated with examples.

Concept introduction:  Quantitative data are expressed in numbers. They are measures of counts or values. It can be used to ask "how much" or "how many, " questions after decisive information.

Qualitative data may be indicated by a number code, symbol, or name. They are measures of types. It can be used to ask "why" or “what, ” questions after decisive information.

Answer to Problem 16SSC

Examples of quantitative are:

1. 0.102 M NaCl solution.
2. The chemical reaction produced 3.22 moles of product
3. 1-gallon milk
4. 1.5 kg of wood etc

Examples of qualitative data are:

1. Color
2. Odor
3. Reactivity
4. Precipitation etc.

Explanation of Solution

Quantitative data:  It refers to how much component is given in a sample. For example, 0.102 M NaCl solution

There are various methods that are used to quantify the data. Quantitative data are often analyzed by physical or chemical procedures.

The physical procedure includes AES (Atomic Emission Spectroscopy), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), trace element analysis, etc.

The chemical procedure includes inert gas fusion, gravimetric analysis, titration, combustion analysis, etc.

Additionally, mathematics and statistics are also used to quantify the data. Analytical balance or scale is the primary tool to quantify the data.

Quantitative data is used in the exact measurement of products or chemicals for chemical or physical procedures.

Qualitative data:  This data is difficult to define. It is difficult to measure. It cannot be expressed numerically. For example, color, precipitation, odor, reactivity, etc.

Qualitative data can be analyzed by chemical techniques, like, flame test, chromatography, distillation, precipitation, extraction, etc.

Qualitative data is used to identify the presence of any compound and element.

Conclusion

Thus, 0.102 M NaCl solution, 1-gallon of milk, 1.5 kg wood, etc are examples of quantitative data. Color, reactivity, precipitation, etc are examples of qualitative data.