Bud N. Chemist must determine the density of a mineral sample. His four trials yield densities of 4.77 g/cm3, 4.67 g/cm3, 4.69 g/cm3, and 4.81 g/cm3. Independent studies found the correct density to be 4.75 g/cm3. Which of the following statements represents the best analysis of the data? A) Bud's results have much greater accuracy than precison. B) Bud's results have much greater precision than accuracy C) Bud's results have high accuracy and high precision. D) Bud's results have low accuracy and low precision. E) Bud's equipment is faulty.

Question

Chemistry

Colt

24 October, 09:42

Bud N. Chemist must determine the density of a mineral sample. His four trials yield densities of 4.77 g/cm3, 4.67 g/cm3, 4.69 g/cm3, and 4.81 g/cm3. Independent studies found the correct density to be 4.75 g/cm3. Which of the following statements represents the best analysis of the data? A) Bud's results have much greater accuracy than precison. B) Bud's results have much greater precision than accuracy C) Bud's results have high accuracy and high precision. D) Bud's results have low accuracy and low precision. E) Bud's equipment is faulty.

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Answers (1)

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Stone · Answer 1

Bud's results have much greater accuracy than precision

Explanation:

Accuracy and precision are two very important terms in analytical chemistry. To a large extent, they decide the degree of reliability of a given result of analysis.

Accuracy refers to how close one's result is to the true value. Bud N's results were all very close to the true value of 4.75 g/cm3 hence the results have a high degree of accuracy.

Precision refers to how close, a set of values from a replicate analysis are to each other.

A close look at Bud N's data indicate that they are not very close to each other; 4.77 g/cm3, 4.67 g/cm3, 4.69 g/cm3, and 4.81 g/cm3. This means that the set of data lack precision.