This iis the set up that i used to determine the R constant. I\'m working on the

Question

This iis the set up that i used to determine the R constant. I'm working on the discussion part and identifying at least 3 sources of errors. Can you give idea what are the possible 3 ??? those sources have to be logic. my professor will not accept something like ( i did not read the volume correctly, the amount of zinc was measured accurately on balance) I have written a draft (do not mind my grammar). Can somebody help to check if it makes sense. Please add or correct if possible. greatly appreciate your help!

There are a number of possible causes of measurement error while performing the experiment. For example, the stopper from the flask was removed too early while some of the zinc metals had not completed reacted with the acid. Thus, the hydrogen gas was generated less than what it should be. The error can be minimized by making sure all the zinc weighed reacted with the acid, and none of them was left behind to get an accurate results. Another source of error could occur when the tubing was not cleaned which lead to the inaccurate result. The error could be reduced to the minimum by carefully clean the tubing, so the impurities would not disturb the readings and might also interfere with the reaction. Another possible source of error was the flask was not properly sealed, so the amount of hydrogen escaped during the reaction. It was also the major source of error in the experiment because a significant amount of hydrogen gas was leaking into the surrounding. It was not only affect the result but also cause hazards because hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and flammable. The error can be minimized by making sure that hydrogen was collected in air-tight container, so no hydrogen should escape the container.

Explanation / Answer

Your writeup seems OK but you can add the following.

While carrying out the experimnt, one of the major source of the error is that the instruements used (such as wighing balance, thermometer and pressure guage) are not caliberated. hence, they will give wong readins. To avoid this, they should be proprly caliberated using suitable caliberation procedure.

Also the liberated hydrogen gas has some solubility in water. So when large excess of water is used, significant amount of hydrogen may remain dissolved in the solution. hence, the volume measured will be incorrect.

Sometimes the measurements are taken without giving suffcient time for the completion of the reaction. Hence, it may happen that the reaction is incomplete and the volume measured is incorrect. Allow sufficient time for the completion of the reaction.

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