In: Chemistry
3) Let's say you are a forensic chemist and need to determine the identity of an unknown metal with some certainty, not just estimate it. Name at least one source of experimental uncertainty, and discuss how it can be reduced.
The identity of an unknown metal can be established by estimating its density.
1) weigh the unknown metal = 'm' g
2) measure a certain volume of water = Vwater ml
3) Put the metal in the water and measure the total volume = Vtotal
Vtotal = Vwater + Vmetal
therefore, Vmetal = Vtotal - Vwater
4) Now, we known the mass of metal and the volume of metal from which the density can be calculated.
Density (metal) = m / Vmetal
The likely source of error could be an incorrect value of the volume. This could arise if the cylinder or beaker into which the water or metal was added already had some some traces of water. If this was the case, the volume would higher than what it should be. However, one can overcome this by ensuring that the labware is competely dry.