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Essay: Sources of Errors (experiment)

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  • Subject area(s): Science essays
  • Reading time: 3 minutes
  • Price: Free download
  • Published: 14 July 2019*
  • Last Modified: 11 September 2024
  • File format: Text
  • Words: 743 (approx)
  • Number of pages: 3 (approx)

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Various errors could have occurred, even though we tried to control the environment to ensure no errors, but, that is impossible because we don’t live in a vacuum area. These errors that could have occurred, could have altered the observations and conclusions. One source of error that could have occurred while working at station three, is the lack of or the abundance of heat. During this experiment, the heat was provided to decompose Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate crystals into the product that was observed as a white powdery substance. However, the concern would be if the heat was distributed evenly for an accurate observation as the test tube was held in place by a test tube holder right up the heat in a slighted position. Although the test tube was slighted, the heat could have solely concentrated on the bottom of the test tube which could have altered the results. As the heat might have concentrated on one part of the test tube, the rest of the test tube lacked heat which also could have altered the results. To ensure heat was distributed evenly, perhaps continuously moving the test tube in a direction (e.g. clockwise) at a constant speed would allow the more accurate result of the crystals receiving heat from all angles. Moreover, to ensure the safety of the person moving the test tube around the heat are to wear safety gear such as gloves to prevent their fingers/hand from burning, googles to prevent sparks flying into their eyes, and keeping their hair up and away from the heat to prevent it from catching on fire.
Another source of error that could have possibly occurred was at station four, where products were placed into a test tube. According to the instructions for this station included specific measurements of each reactant to be placed into the test tube. However, the measurements were eyed and predicted if it was the correct amount before placing it into the tube. Not having the proper equipment to measure the amounts placed into the test tube could have altered the observations and results as there could have been more or less of what was required in order to have the accurate results. A method to prevent this is to have measuring numbers or some sort of indication (e.g. a tape line) on the pipers to indicate the accurate amount of each product to produce accurate results.
Application
1. The product of reaction 6 had a use related to its colour. State this use and explain why it was discontinued.
The use of lead iodide was previously used for yellow paint pigment. (Compound Interest, 2017) Lead iodide formed after the reaction of lead (II) nitrate and potassium iodide. The reaction would undergo a double displacement which results in lead (II) iodide and potassium nitrate. However, it got discontinued because lead iodide was quite instable which caused other pigments to be favored. Currently, it used in detectors to detect materials with high level energy of photons. Another reason for it being discontinued was because of how toxic it was. Lead iodide had alarming health and safety hazards as it can lead to diseases, but could also lead to poisoning. For instance, inhalation or ingestion results in gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, etc. (NOAA)
2. Suggest a career (other than chemist!) in which a knowledge of chemical reactions would be useful and explain why.
Another career, besides a chemist, where understanding the knowledge of chemical reactions would be beneficial are janitors. It would be crucial for janitors to be aware because on a daily basis, they must handle the environment with various disinfectants, cleaners, other chemicals to keep an environment clean. If janitors weren’t properly acquainted with chemical reactions, they could accidently misuse them or become exposed to dangerous chemical reactions. (Janitorial Cleaning Services) Moreover, to ensure the safety of janitors, it is very important for janitors to be aware and to understand all of the chemicals before dealing with any chemicals. Utilizing dangerous chemicals ineffectively such as bleach, sodium hydroxide, etc., could result in blindness, corrosive to eyes and skin, poisonous, etc. (Janitorial Chemicals) Therefore, knowing all of the possible risks and taking precautions such as storing them in a safe location could ensure in the safety of the janitors and those that work in the same building. In conclusion, a career like janitors, where the knowledge of chemical reactions would be beneficial to know could help prevent many horrible accidents.

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