IB Chemistry

Experiment 2: Accuracy and Precision

Name ………………………………………………………..

Aim:
To measure 10 cm3 of water using different measuring instruments and to compare the
volumes obtained.

Method:
1. Each student in a group chooses a different measuring instrument for volume to use.
2. Measure the mass (with uncertainty) of an empty measuring instrument for volume.
3. Add 10 cm3 of water to the measuring instrument for volume.
4. Measure the mass (with uncertainty) of the measuring instrument for volume and water.
5. Determine the mass (with propagated uncertainty) of the water added.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 4, four more times.

Results:
Table 1: Mass of _______________ cm3 of water measured with a ________________________

mass/g ( )
Trial measuring instrument + mass of water/g ( )
measuring instrument
water

Calculate the average mass of water and the uncertainty in the average:

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Table 2: Mass of 10 cm3 water measured with different measuring instruments.

Uncertainty
Average Uncertainty
Measuring Percentage Range/g in average
mass of in average
instrument error (± 0.004 ) mass due to
water/g mass/g
range/g

Sample calculation for percentage error:

Percentage error = Experimental value – Expected value x 100

Expected value

Table 3: Precision of the various measuring instruments:

Measuring instrument Absolute uncertainty Percentage uncertainty

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Table 4: Comparing the values for the various measuring instruments:

Most to least precise Most to least Most to least % error is

(use absolute consistent accurate greater/smaller than
uncertainty) (use range) (use % error) % uncertainty

Reflection:
What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Can you think of other examples to demonstrate the difference between accuracy and
precision?

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