Final answer:
The temperature of the sample is 16°C with a percent error of 0.75%, resulting in an absolute error of 0.12°C. Therefore, the temperature can be reported as 16°C ± 0.12°C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temperature of a sample measured as 16 degrees Celsius with a percent error of 0.75% means that the absolute error of the measurement can be calculated and used to express the accurate value of the temperature. To find the absolute error, we multiply the percent error by the measured value and then use this to define the range within which the actual temperature lies.
Calculating Absolute Error
To find the absolute error, we use the formula:
Absolute Error = Percent Error × Measured Temperature
0.75% × 16°C = 0.0075 × 16°C = 0.12°C
Therefore, the absolute error in the temperature measurement is 0.12°C.
Reporting the Temperature
The temperature of the sample can be reported as 16°C ± 0.12°C, which means the actual temperature is expected to be within the range of 15.88°C to 16.12°C.