i always get the error analysis section of my lab wrong so i need a NON human error in an experiment involving the diffusion of gases
Experiment: stick cotton ends of a Q-tip (one soaked in HCl and one in NH3) into either end of a drinking straw and measure where precipitate is
Could a temperature differential between ends of the straw affect the point of NH4Cl pptn? (It could if the straw was long enough, if one end of the straw was held longer than the other during insertion of the Q-tip, or if the straw was unequally cooled/heated by an air conditioning/heating duct.) I'm sure you did not get an extremely fine line (small width) because there was some intermingling of fumes AND because it takes a finite time for the NH4Cl powder to settle. You can use these two as a starting point. The first one is a little far-fetched. The second one is real but not a very large source of error. However, the shorter the straw the larger percentage this error becomes.
To positively identify a non-human error in an experiment, you need to eliminate any errors that could be attributed to human mistakes. In the case of the diffusion of gases experiment, where you are measuring the location of precipitate resulting from the reaction between HCl and NH3, you can focus on potential non-human errors.
Here's a step-by-step guide to identifying a non-human error in this experiment:
1. Standardize the procedure: Ensure that you are following a standard procedure consistently. Any variations in the process can introduce human errors. Review your experiment setup and confirm that it aligns with the commonly accepted approaches.
2. Verify equipment calibration: Check if your measuring instruments, such as rulers or calipers, are properly calibrated. Inaccurate equipment can introduce non-human errors. Confirm their accuracy by comparing them to a reliable and calibrated reference tool.
3. Inspect the chemicals: Examine the HCl and NH3 solutions before conducting the experiment. Look for any signs of contamination or impurities in the chemicals. Poor quality or impure chemicals can affect the reaction and yield incorrect results.
4. Analyze environmental factors: Consider the impact of environmental conditions on your experiment. Variables like temperature, humidity, and air pressure can influence the diffusion of gases. Ensure that the experiment is conducted under controlled conditions and limit any factors that could cause discrepancies.
5. Confirm experimental setup: Double-check your experimental setup to ensure there are no leaks or unintended openings in the system. Any leaks could affect the diffusion rates and the location of the precipitate.
6. Repeat the experiment: Conduct multiple trials to determine if the results are consistent. If you consistently obtain different results, it may indicate a non-human error. Repeat the experiment using the same procedure, ensuring every step is meticulously followed.
By following these steps, you can largely minimize human errors and focus on identifying non-human errors that might be affecting your results. Remember to document all your experimental steps, observations, and results accurately, which will help you in your error analysis section.