So I did a lab on Avogadro\'s number and if my final calculation is close to Avo

Question

So I did a lab on Avogadro's number and if my final calculation is close to Avogadro's number it would be good. Anyways one of my lab question comfuses me which states: List the three possible fallacies in the assumptions made in the sub-microscopic model. What effect do these fallacies have on the result of the calculations.

I am assuming fallcy means to make something invalid, in this case, could it mean how could these fallacies make my calculation invalid? I honestly don't know any example, I mean there could be errors but it is asking for fallcies.

Explanation / Answer

Hello.

The question and your understanding of question are different. When you did the calculations, you used some model (in this case is the sub-microscopic model). Well, the models are based on generalizations of observations from a phenomenon. For example, we can use the ideal-gas equation to relate pressure-volume-temperature for gases. It means that we can know the pressure if we have the volume and temperature (or volumen with we know temperature and pressure, and so on). This model was developed by assuming spherical molecules without interaction between them. So, these assumptions make that the model only can work when our system is to high temperatures and low pressures. We can know the fails of our model (in this case we can change fails by fallacies) because we know how it was built. But, it doesn't mean that if some person use this model his calculations are wrong. The real meaning is that this person used the wrong model.

That is your case: you maybe use a model with some wrong assumptions, but actually your work it's right. So, it necessary that you know how your calculations were built.   

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