Final answer:
In chemistry, error refers to the discrepancy between a measured value and an accepted value. Errors can be due to inexact measurements, crystal defects, or problems with experimental design. Measuring percent yield is a way chemists evaluate the success of a reaction, affected by various sources of error.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Error in Chemistry
In chemistry, error refers to the difference between a measured value and an accepted, true, or theoretical value. For instance, during titration, if the experimental value precisely matches the accepted value, the percent error is zero. However, as accuracy decreases, the percent error increases. Errors can arise due to many factors, such as inexact numbers, imprecision in measurement, or issues with the experimental setup.
Inexact Numbers and Error Range
Measured values are known as inexact numbers because they contain an inherent error range. When you experiment, such as measuring the volume of a solution with a volumetric flask, there's always a degree of uncertainty in the measurement.
Percent Yield
In the context of chemical reactions, percent yield is a critical measurement indicating the efficiency of a reaction. It compares the actual amount of product obtained to the amount that was theoretically predicted. Various factors, including experimental errors or reaction inefficiencies, can lead to a lower percent yield than expected.
Crystal defects, like point, line, or plane defects, also exemplify the concept of imperfection or error at the atomic level. In addition, a Frenkel defect is a type of crystal defect where ions are displaced from their correct position, thereby contributing to the error within the structure of the crystal.