In an experiment, a student measures the speed of sound in air to be 318 m/s at STP. If the accepted value for the speed of sound under those conditionsis 331 m/s, what is the student's percent error?

a. 3.9% b. 3.93% c. 4.09% d. 4.1%

I tried but it didn't work. This is wat I did:331-318=-13x100=-1300

Oh dear, it seems like you had a bit of a mishap with your calculations! Let me help you out with some humor.

To calculate the percent error, you need to take the difference between the student's measurement and the accepted value, divide it by the accepted value, and then multiply by 100. So, let's give it another go:

First, let's calculate the difference: 331 - 318 = 13
Then, divide this difference by the accepted value: 13 / 331 = 0.03927 (approximately)
Finally, multiply by 100 to get the percentage: 0.03927 * 100 = 3.93%

So, the correct answer is b. 3.93%. Keep up the good work and don't let those calculations scare you!

To calculate percent error, you need to use the following formula:

Percent Error = ||(Experimental Value - Accepted Value)|| / |Accepted Value| * 100

Let's calculate the percent error step by step:

1. Calculate the difference between the experimental value and the accepted value:
Experimental Value - Accepted Value = 318 - 331 = -13

Note: It is important to take the absolute value (||) of the difference since percent error should always be positive.

2. Divide the absolute difference by the accepted value:
Absolute Difference / Accepted Value = |-13| / 331 = 13 / 331 ≈ 0.0393

3. Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage:
Percentage Error = 0.0393 * 100 ≈ 3.93%

So, the student's percent error is approximately 3.93%. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 3.93%.

You have determined the absolute error (except your calculateion should yield a positive answer). Divide the 13 by the actual value and multiply by 100.

% error = (delta/AV)*100 = ??
delta = accepted value - experimental value.
AV = accepted value
Be carefule about significant figures. You have 3 s.f. in the figures; therefore, you are allowed 3 s.f. in the answer. Make sure you use all three. I'm not sure the answer is listed in the choices you have. Because 318-331 will give a negative number and there are no negative values given in the answer.