What were possible sources of experimental error in this lab? Would you expect each to
make your results larger or to make them smaller?
Possible sources of experimental error in this lab could include:
1. Measurement errors: Errors in reading or recording the measurements accurately could lead to experimental error. This can make the results larger or smaller, depending on whether the measurements were consistently overestimated or underestimated.
2. Environmental factors: Temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions can affect the outcomes of the experiment. For example, if the temperature was higher than expected, it could cause the reaction to proceed faster and yield larger results. Conversely, if the temperature was lower than expected, it could slow down the reaction and yield smaller results.
3. Contamination: If the materials used in the experiment were contaminated, it could affect the chemical reaction and lead to incorrect results. This can make the results larger or smaller depending on the nature of the contamination and its impact on the reaction.
4. Procedural errors: Mistakes in following the experimental procedure could introduce errors. For instance, if a step was skipped or performed incorrectly, it could lead to inaccurate results. The direction of the error (larger or smaller) would depend on the specific mistake made.
5. Equipment errors: Malfunctioning or improperly calibrated equipment could also introduce error. If the equipment was not properly calibrated, it could lead to incorrect measurements and therefore affect the results. The direction of the error would depend on the nature of the equipment malfunction.
6. Human errors: Errors made by the experimenter, such as misreading the scale, improper timing, or incorrect mixing technique, could also contribute to experimental error. These errors can make the results larger or smaller, depending on the specific mistake made.
It is important to note that the actual impact of these sources of error on the results would depend on their magnitude and the specific experimental setup. Without additional information, it is not possible to accurately predict whether the errors would make the results larger or smaller.
Possible sources of experimental error in a lab can vary depending on the specific experiment. However, here are some common sources of error and their potential effects on the results:
1. Instrumental error: Any inaccuracies or limitations in the measuring instruments used can introduce error. This can affect the precision and accuracy of the measurements. Depending on the nature of the error, it could either make the results larger or smaller.
2. Procedural error: Mistakes made during the execution of the experiment, such as incorrect timing, improper mixing, or not following the correct procedure, can lead to errors. These errors can introduce inconsistencies and impact the reliability of the results. The effect on the results could vary, making them either larger or smaller.
3. Sample contamination: Contamination of the samples could occur during handling, storage, or from external sources. This can alter the composition of the samples and affect the measured values. The effect on the results could be in either direction, making them larger or smaller.
4. Environmental conditions: Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and pressure can affect the experimental setup and potentially influence the results. These factors may introduce biases or cause changes in the reaction rates. The direction of the impact on the results will depend on the specific conditions and the nature of the experiment.
5. Human error: Errors introduced by the experimenter, such as misreading measurements, errors in data recording, or mistakes in calculations, can impact the results. These errors can affect the accuracy of the final values, making them larger or smaller.
It is important to note that the effect of each potential source of error on the results can vary, and specific analysis or experimental data would be needed to determine the exact impact in a given situation.