Chemistry Post Lab 1

Using data, the ranking of  the glassware from the most accurate to the least accurate as follows: burette, graduated cylinder, and then beaker/flask (similar accuracy). This is directly related to the number of lines or graduations on the glassware. More lines = higher accuracy. 

The more decimal places offered in the measurement from an electronic balance, the more accurate the measuring device (Beaker #2 was more accurate than beaker #1 due to more decimal places in the measurement.)

Water was used because it  has an easy mass to volume relationship (1 gram = 1 mL). The density provides an actual value for the mass of 50 grams of water to compare to ourthe  experimental values obtained. 

The burette and balance #2 had the lowest percent error.  (again, more lines = more accuracy and more decimal places = more accuracy). 

Beakers of the same size did not have the same mass. For example, our beaker #1 was 56.2 grams and beaker #2 was 56.8 grams. We cannot assume that beakers of the same size are equal in mass due to differences in construction of the glassware. 

Possible sources of error could be reading the liquid line above the meniscus, which would result in a greater volume than the actual, not taking the reading at eye level, not zeroing the scale prior to taking the mass, and allowing the liquid to pass the bottom line on the burette when dispensing.