Question

A student determines that the gram formula mass of CdO is 133.11 grams. If the accepted value is 128.41 grams, what is the student's percent error?

A) 3.50%
B) 3.5%
C) 3.660%
D) 3.66%

Answer 1

The student's percent error in determining the gram formula mass of CdO is calculated by subtracting the accepted value from the experimental value, dividing by the accepted value, and then multiplying by 100. The percent error is 3.66%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percent error in scientific measurements is a way to determine how accurate a measurement is compared to the accepted value. The formula to calculate percent error is:

Percent Error = |(Experimental Value - Accepted Value) / Accepted Value| × 100%

In this case, the student's experimental value for the gram formula mass of CdO is 133.11 grams, and the accepted value is 128.41 grams. So:

Percent Error = |(133.11 - 128.41) / 128.41| × 100%
= |4.7 / 128.41| × 100%
= 0.0366 × 100%
= 3.66%

Therefore, the student's percent error is 3.66%, which corresponds to option D).