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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > September  >
In the Laboratory
Which Method Is Most Precise; Which Is Most Accurate?
An Undergraduate Experiment
A. D. Jordan
Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
Cover
September 2007
Vol. 84 No. 9
p. 1459

Abstract
A simple experiment, the determination of the density of a liquid by several methods, is presented. Since the concept of density is a familiar one, the experiment is suitable for the introductory laboratory period of a first- or second-year course in physical or analytical chemistry. The main objective of the experiment is to familiarize students with the concepts of precision and accuracy using data that can be acquired easily with a variety of volumetric apparatus and that can be analyzed by simple statistics and a linear regression. The added bonus of this experiment is that it provides a vehicle for reinforcing good and safe laboratory practices, for training in the use of volumetric techniques that will be encountered throughout the term, and for laying the foundations for the proper acquisition and analysis of data.
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Citation
Jordan, A. D. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1459.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction; Liquids; Physical Chemistry; Physical Properties; Problem Solving / Decision Making; Quantitative Analysis; Second-Year Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
7/23/2007
8/16/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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