Question

what would happen if you used a very small amount of metal in measuring density? how would it affect your measurement? consider the number of segnificant digit in your ansuer if you use more than 1.00 ml of metal or less than 1.00 ml of metal.

Answer 1

Consider this. If you weigh a sample of 1 g and the balance you use is good to 0.1 gram, then you stand a chance of making, with one weighing, a 0.1 g error so the percent error is a potential (0.1/1)*100 = 10%. But suppose you weigh, on the same balance, a sample of 10 g, then the potential error is (0.1/10)*100 = 1%. The moral to this story is to choose larger amounts, within reason of course, rather than smaller amounts. You can accomplish the same purpose by using a balance that has less error; i.e., one that weighs to more significant figures. Most very good analytical balances will weigh to 0.00005 mg.