Question

We did an experiment where we had to figure out the amount of water molecules in CuSO4xH2O (x being the value to find). If the stirring rod used was wet and was used to stir the beaker would this result in a higher x value? Is this a experimental or human error. Obviously this is a human error, and I believe that this would yield a higher number of water molecules. Just need help with reasoning.

Answer 1

I don't know the details of the experiment so I don't know if the results are high or low (or no change).
Frankly, I don't agree with the term human error as different from experimental error. In my view, any error in the experiment is experimental error. If I spill a drop of liquid when transferring from one container to another, it makes little difference to me what we call it, the experiment is screwed up and the results are worthless; i.e., any error in the experiment is experimental error because "something" didn't go right. There may be many that will disagree.