Calculating Percent Error in Experiments

Mr. Claus explains the percent error formula, using the density of silver as an example. He demonstrates how to calculate percent error by subtracting the accepted value from the calculated value, taking the absolute value, dividing by the accepted value, and multiplying by 100. The example shows a calculated density of 9.9 g/cm³ compared to an accepted value of 10.5 g/cm³, resulting in a percent error of 5.7%.

What is the primary purpose of calculating percent error?

• To determine the exact value of a measurement

• To compare a calculated value to a known value

• To find the average of multiple measurements

• To convert units of measurement

In the example provided, what was the calculated density of silver?

• 10.5 G per cm cubed

• 9.9 G per cm cubed

• 11.0 G per cm cubed

• 8.5 G per cm cubed

What is the known or accepted density of silver used in the example?

• 9.9 G per cm cubed

• 10.5 G per cm cubed

• 11.5 G per cm cubed

• 8.9 G per cm cubed

What is the first step in the percent error formula?

• Add the calculated and accepted values

• Subtract the accepted value from the calculated value

• Multiply the calculated value by 100

• Divide the calculated value by the accepted value

Why are absolute value bars used in the percent error formula?

• To convert units

• To simplify the calculation

• To ensure the result is always positive

• To ensure the result is always negative

What is the next step after finding the absolute difference in the percent error formula?

• Multiply by 100

• Divide by the accepted value

• Add the accepted value

• Subtract the calculated value

What is the final step in calculating percent error?

• Multiply by 100

• Divide by the calculated value

• Subtract the accepted value

• Add the calculated value

What was the percent error calculated in the example?

• 5.7%

• 4.5%

• 6.3%

• 7.2%

If the calculated value was 10.0 G per cm cubed, what would the percent error be?

• 4.5%

• 5.0%

• 5.7%

• 4.8%

Why is it important to calculate percent error in experiments?

• To determine the speed of the experiment

• To confirm the experiment was conducted

• To assess the accuracy of the experimental results

• To find the average of the results