Question

The true value for a measurement is 24.36 m. The experimental value is 20.50 m. Calculate the percent error. Show all work with units and correct sig fig.

A) 15.75%
B) 18.88%
C) 15.31%
D) 20.32%

Answer 1

The percent error can be calculated using the formula: Percent Error = (|Experimental Value - True Value| / True Value) * 100%. In this case, the percent error is 15.75%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percent error can be calculated using the formula: Percent Error = (|Experimental Value - True Value| / True Value) * 100%. Given that the experimental value is 20.50 m and the true value is 24.36 m, the percent error can be calculated as follows: Percent Error = (|20.50 - 24.36| / 24.36) * 100% = (3.86 / 24.36) * 100% = 15.85%. The percent error is rounded to the correct number of significant figures based on the least precise measurement, which in this case is the experimental value (20.50 m). Therefore, the correct answer is A) 15.75%.