Question

The crucible is handled with oily fingers after its mass measurement but before the 3 gram sample of the hydrated salt is measured. Subsequently, in part B.1, the oil from the fingers is burned off. Will the percent water in the hydrated salt be reported as being too high, too low, or unaffected? Explain.

i think its unaffected. but i don't know if I'm right, and I don't know how to exactly explain it.

Answer 1

If the oil from the fingerprints is burned off completely, then the reported percent water in the hydrated salt is unaffected. However, if the oil from the fingerprints are not completely burned off, the reported percent water would be too high, since the remaining oil will increase the mass of the hydrated salt.

this is what i put down. not sure if its right? what should i add?