Chapter 5, Problem 18STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To measure the boiling point of pentane a student performs an experiment at $\text{37}\text{.2°C}$. The literature reports this value at $\text{36}\text{.1°C}$. The student’s percent error needs to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The error associated with the experimental value is the difference of the experimental and accepted value.

$\text{Error}=\text{experimental}\text{value}-\text{accepted}\text{value}$

Percent error represents the error as the percentage of the accepted value.

$\text{Percent}\text{error}=\frac{\left|\text{experimental}\text{value}-\text{accepted}\text{value}\right|}{\text{accepted}\text{value}}\times 100$

Answer to Problem 18STP

The correct option is E.

Explanation of Solution

The percent error can be calculated by using the formula below. The experimental value is $\text{37}\text{.2°C}$ while the accepted value is $\text{36}\text{.1°C}$.

$\begin{array}{c}\text{Percent}\text{error}=\left(\frac{\left|\text{experimental}\text{value}-\text{accepted}\text{value}\right|}{\text{accepted}\text{value}}\right)\times 100\\ =\left(\frac{\left|\text{36}\text{.1}-\text{37}\text{.2}\right|}{36.1}\right)\times 100\\ =3.05\%\end{array}$

Hence, the percent error is $3.05\%$.

Conclusion

The percent error is $3.05\%$. Hence, the correct option is E.