Question

A student investigated how much solid was dissolved in sea water.

The student:
1. Measured the mass of an empty evaporating basin.
2. Measured 50 cm3 of sea water and poured it into the evaporating basin.
3. Heated the evaporating basin gently until all of the water had evaporated.
4. Measured the mass of the evaporating basin containing the solid residue.
5. Reheated the evaporating basin and solid residue.
6. Measured the mass of the evaporating basin and solid residue.
7. Repeated steps 5 and 6 until the mass was constant.
Name two different pieces of apparatus that would be suitable for measuring:
• The mass of the evaporating basin
• 50 cm3 of sea water

Equipment to measure the mass of the evaporating basin_______________________
Equipment to measure 50 cm3 of sea water ________________________________

Answer 1

weighing balance/analytical balance

Graduated cylinder/buret

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of the evaporating basin could be measured using a weighing balance or an analytical balance. Both are classified as weighing scales but the analytical balance can measure the mass of objects up to 4 decimal places, thus, providing better accuracy in measurement than ordinary weighing balance that can only measure up to 2 decimal places.

In order to measure 50 cm3 of the sea water, a graduated cylinder or a buret can be used. Both equipment can measure up to the same decimal places and, thus, have virtually the same accuracy.