A student was to determine the calibration error of a 100 mL graduated cylinder. Water at 25.0 °C was added to the cylinder until the level reached 100.0 mL. Knowing the mass of water in the cylinder and the density of water at 25.0 °C, the actual volume of water in the cylinder was calculated to be 99.2 mL. Calculate the percent error in the calibration of the graduated cylinder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The percent error is calculated using the formula: $\text{Percent Error} = \frac{\text{Experimental Value} - \text{Theoretical Value}}{\text{Theoretical Value}} \times 100\%$. Here, the experimental value is 99.2 mL (actual volume measured), and the theoretical value is 100.0 mL (expected volume). Thus, $\text{Percent Error} = \frac{99.2 mL - 100.0 mL}{100.0 mL} \times 100\% = -0.8\%$. The negative sign indicates the actual volume is less than the expected volume.

A Student Was to Determine the Calibration Error of a 100