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1
Error Calculation 2017

Half of the smallest division is the error OR Given by the manufacturer of the apparatus

Burette
So if the smallest division on a Burette is 0.1 cm3, it has a maximum error of 0.05cm3
We usually read the burette twice (Initial & Final). So overall Maximum error = 2 x
0.05cm3 = 0.1cm3

Pipette
A pipette usually does not have any divisions. It only has a mark for the volume it
measures. For Eg: Grade B volumetric (bulb) pipettes of 25 ml are calibrated to 0.06
cm3

Flask
Volumetric Flask of 250cm3 has an error of 0.2cm3

Weighing Balance
For a 2-decimal balance, maximum error is 0.005g for reading once.
For a 3-decimal balance, maximum error is 0.0005g for reading once.

We usually, read the balance twice, so

For a 2-decimal balance, maximum error is 0.005+0.005 = 0.01g
For a 3-decimal balance, maximum error is 0.0005+0.0005 = 0.001g

1. Calculate the maximum error in the volume run from the burette recorded in any titration.

The maximum error is ............................... cm3.

2. Express the maximum error calculated in (1) as a percentage error for the volume of a
titration reading of
(a) 25 cm3
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The maximum error is .................................. %.
(b) 50cm 3

The maximum error is .................................. %.

(c) 33cm 3

The maximum error is .................................. %.

3. Calculate the percentage error when 30.0 cm3 of FA 1 was pipetted into the conical flask.

The error was .................................. %.

4. A student, using a weighing balance measured 8g of a solid NaOH. What is the percentage
error in the measured mass if it was a 2-decimal balance.

The error was .................................. %.

5. A student accidentally measured 750ml of distilled water by using a250cm3 flask. What is
the maximum error and percentage error to measure this volume?

Error Percentage Error

6. A student, using a weighing balance measured 908g of solid CaO. What is the percentage
error in the measured mass if it was a 1-decimal balance?

The error was .................................. %.

7. A Student filled a flask upto the 200cm mark. Calculate the percentage error
3

The error was .................................. %.

8. A Student run a volume of 35.8 cm from the burette into a flask. Calculate the percentage
3

error in reading the burette.

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The error was .................................. %.