Question

In the lab, you found the specific gravity of hexanol to be 0.679. According to a reference chart, the specific gravity of hexanol is 0.813. Calculate the percent error.

A) 13.1% error
B) 19.0% error
C) 4.6% error
D) 82.9% error

Answer 1

The percent error for the measurement of the specific gravity of hexanol is approximately 16.48%, making the closest choice B) 19.0% error.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the percent error when comparing an experimental value to a reference value, you use the formula: Percent Error = | (Experimental Value - Reference Value) / Reference Value| × 100%. In this case, the experimental value of the specific gravity of hexanol is 0.679, and the reference value is 0.813.

You can calculate the percent error as follows:

Percent Error = | (0.679 - 0.813) / 0.813| × 100%
Percent Error = | (-0.134) / 0.813| × 100%
Percent Error = 0.1648 × 100%
Percent Error = 16.48%

Therefore, the percent error in the measurement would be approximately 16.48%, which means the closest answer choice is B) 19.0% error.