Ethan Morgan
Post-Lab Analysis
In the lab, I noticed that the wider glassware generally was less accurate at measuring. I noted
that the top performers were the 50ml and 100ml graduated cylinders in that order. I also noted that
the 50ml volumetric flask was good for measuring that specific amount of liquid. This experiment taught
me that it is important to use glassware for its proper purpose. Using glassware that isn’t meant for
measuring to find the density of a liquid causes extra error that is avoidable by using proper glassware.
To get a low percent error, it is important to limit error when possible. For example, an ideal lab would
have minimal air flow so as not to set the scales off and have barriers around the scales as well. As a
student of science, you can limit error by not breathing at the scales while measuring and keep your
hands off the table to avoid shaking it. I found that a useful tool to aid in measurement was the pipette.
From time to time, I would notice that my meniscus was only a couple of ml from the target line. Trying
to add and dump water would take forever, but the pipette made that a lot easier. Finally, I took away
from this lab that trying to get 0% error is practice is very hard if not near impossible. Even when I used
the right glassware and studied the scale to get as close to the right mass I could, the closest I was able
to get was 0.63% which is good, but still a far cry from 0%.