An experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of four different fertilizers on plant growth. Two grams of each fertilizer were to be diluted in 9 milliliters (mL) of water before adding to a plant. Which of the following measuring devices would introduce the least error into the measurement of the 9 mL of water?

1 answer

To minimize error in measuring 9 mL of water for the experiment, the best measuring device to use would be a graduated cylinder or a volumetric flask. Both of these devices are designed for accurate volume measurements.

  1. Graduated Cylinder: This is a common device for measuring liquid volumes. It has clear markings and can provide a more precise measurement than less specialized containers.

  2. Volumetric Flask: If you have a specific volume like 9 mL, using a volumetric flask (if available in that size) would give you very accurate measurements. These flasks are specifically designed for measuring precise volumes and would introduce minimal error.

It's important to avoid using devices like measuring cups or beakers for this purpose, as they are generally less precise and can introduce more measurement error.

In summary, either a graduated cylinder or a volumetric flask would be ideal for measuring 9 mL of water with the least error.