Experiment No.

Precision in Measurement

A LABORATORY REPORT

Presented to the Faculty of the

Department of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
Mindanao University of Science and Technology

In Partial Fulfillment
of the requirements in
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 1 LABORATORY

JOANN H. JUSTINIANE
ROCHELLE P. ESTRELLA
Member
June 29, 2016

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Accuracy and precision are
two
important
factors
to
consider
when
taking
data measurements. Both accuracy and precision reflect how close a measurement is to an actual
value, but accuracy reflects how close a measurement is to a known or accepted value, while
precision reflects how reproducible measurements are, even if they are far from the accepted value.
Precision is the consistency of results when the measurements are repeated. Precise values
differ from each other because of random error, which is a form of observational error. It is important
to understand that precision does not imply accuracy.
Three terms are widely used to describe the precision of a set of data: standard deviation,
variance, and coefficient of variation. These three are functions of how much an individual result xi
differs from the mean, called the deviation from the mean di.
Every measurement has a degree of uncertainty associated with it. The uncertainty derives
from the measuring device and from the skill of the person doing the measuring. Significant figures is
one way to show the amount of uncertainty in a measurement. The more significant figures in a
measurement, the more precise the measurement.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

1. To determine how precision varies with different measurements.

CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY
We used an analytical balance in determining the weight of a 10 peso coin, 5 peso coin, two 1
peso coins and four 25 centavo coins. We made three trials with the members of the group taking turns in
making the measurement. We tabulated the results and calculated the mean, standard deviation and
coefficient of variation. We repeated the weighing procedure using a triple beam balance and tabulated
the results and calculated the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation.
In determining the temperature of the water fresh from the faucet, we used 400 mL beaker to
collect the water and immersed a mercury thermometer on it. We made three trials with different
members of the group taking turns and using freshly collected water each time. We tabulated the results
and calculated the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation.
We made 10 mL water using a volumetric pipet and weighed the amount of water by draining it
into a 30 mL beaker that has been tared in an analytical balance. We repeated it three times with the
members of the group taking turns. We tabulated the results and calculated the mean, standard deviation
and coefficient of variation.
In determining the volume of a marble through a water displacement, we used a 100 mL
graduated cylinder. We repeated it three times and wiping dry the stone using a tissue paper. We
tabulated the results and calculated the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation.
We measured the length of a cut rubber band using a ruler. We measured it three times. We
tabulated the results and calculated the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation.

CHAPTER 3
DATA AND CALCULATIONS

3.1 Raw Data

Table 3.1a Analytical Balance
No. of Coins Trial 1 (g)
Trial 2 (g)
10 peso
5 peso
1 peso (1)
1 peso (2)
25 cent (1)
25 cent (2)
25 cent (3)
25 cent (4)

8.7072
7.7254
5.9624
5.2983
3.6008
3.5498
3.6175
3.6232

8.7071
7.7255
5.9620
5.2978
3.6007
3.5498
3.6174
3.6230

Table 3.1b Triple Beam Balance

No. of Coins
Trial 1 (g)
Trial 2 (g)
10 peso
5 peso
1 peso
1 peso
25 cent
25 cent
25 cent
25 cent

8.8
7.8
5.9
5.2
3.6
3.5
3.6
3.6

29 C

Table 3.1d Mass of Water

Trial 1 (g)
10mL Water

10.0322

2.0

144

8.7072
7.7255
5.9621
5.2983
3.6007
3.5498
3.6174
3.6231

8.7
7.7
5.9
5.2
3.6
3.5
3.6
3.6

8.7
7.7
5.9
5.2
3.6
3.5
3.6
3.6

Trial 3

Mean

28 C

29 C

27 C

Trial 2 (g)

Trial 3 (g)

Mean

9.9849

9.9981

10.0051

Trial 3 (mL)

Mean

2.0

2.0

Trial 3 (cm)

Mean (cm)

144

144

8.7
7.7
5.9
5.2
3.6
3.5
3.6
3.6

2.0

Table 3.1f Length of Rubber Band

Trial 1 (cm)
Trial 2 (cm)
Rubber
Band

8.7072
7.7255
5.9620
5.2987
3.6007
3.5498
3.6174
3.6232

Mean (g)

Table 3.1e Volume of Marble

Trial 1 (mL)
Trial 2 (mL)
Marble

Mean (g)

Trial 3 (g)

Table 3.1c Temperature of Water

Trial 1
Trial 2
Tap Water

Trial 3 (g)

144

Standard
Deviation
0.00006 g
0.00006 g
0.00023 g
0.00045 g
0.00006 g
0g
0.00006 g
0.0002 g

Coefficient of
Variation
0.0007 %
0.0008 %
0.0039 %
0.014 %
0.0002 %
0%
0.00012 %
0.0033 %

Standard
Deviation
0.05774 g
0.05774 g
0g
0g
0g
0g
0g
0g

Coefficient
of Variation
0.66 %
0.75 %
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Standard
Deviation
0.57735
C

Coefficient
of Variation
1.991 %

Standard
Deviation
0.02441 g

Coefficient
of Variation
0.244 %

Standard
Deviation
0 mL

Coefficient
of Variation
0%

Standard
Deviation
0 cm

Coefficient
of Variation
0%

3.2 Calculation for the mean, Standard Deviation and Coefficient of Variation

The mean is the numerical average for a data set. The mean can be calculated using

Where: Xi = ith measurement

n = size of the data set

Standard deviation (s) is the spread of a data sets individual values about its mean.
Standard deviation can be calculated using

Where: Xi = one of n individual values in the data set

XX = the data sets mean value
The main purpose of finding coefficient of variation is used to study of quality assurance by
measuring the dispersion of the population data of a probability or frequency distribution, or by
determining the content or quality of the sample data. Coefficient of variation can be calculated using

CV =

s
100

Where: CV = coefficient of variation

s = standard deviation
XX = mean
Calculations

Table 3.1a Analytical Balance

10 peso coin

= 8.7072 g+8.7071 g +8.7072 g =8.7072 g

X
3

s=

(8.70728.7072)2 +(8.70718.7072)2+(8.70728.7072)2
=0.00006 g
31

CV =

0.00006 g
100=0.0007
8.7072 g

5 peso coin

= 7.7254 g+7.7255 g+7.7255 g =7.7255 g

X
3

s=

(7.72547.7255)2+(7.72557.7255)2 +(7.72557.7255)2
=0.00006 g
31

CV =

0.00006 g
100=0.0008
7.7255 g

1 peso coin (1)

= 5.9624 g+5.9620 g+5.9620 g =5.9621 g

X
3

s=

(5.96245.9621)2 +(5.96205.9621)2+(5.96205.9621)2
=0.00023 g
31

CV =

0.00023 g
100=0.0039
5.9621

1 peso coin (2)

= 5.2983 g+5.2978 g +5.2987 g =5.2983 g

X
3

(5.29835.2983)2 +(5.29785.2983)2+(5.29875.2983)2
s=
=0.00045 g
31
CV =

0.00023 g
100=0.014
5.2983 g

25 cent (1)

= 3.6008 g+3.6007 g+3.6008 g =3.6008 g

X
3

s=

(3.60083.6008)2 +(3.60073.6008)2 +(3.60083.6008)2

=0.00006 g
31

CV =

0.00006 g
100=0.0002
3.6008 g

25 cent (2)

= 3.5498 g+3.5498 g+3.5498 g =3.5498 g

X
3

(3.54983.5498)2 +(3.54983.5498)2 +(3.54983.5498)2

s=
=0 g
31
CV =

0g
100=0
3.5498 g

25 cent (3)

= 3.6175 g+3.6175 g +3.6175 g =3.6175 g

X
3

(3.61753.6175)2 +(3.61753.6175)2+(3.61753.6175)2
s=
=0.00006 g
31
CV =

0.00006 g
100=0.0002
3.6175 g

25 cent (4)

= 3.6232 g +3.6230 g+ 3.6232 g =3.6231 g

X
3

s=

(3.62323.6231)2 +(3.62303.6231)2 +( 3.62323.6231)2

=0.00012 g
31

CV =

0.00012 g
100=0.0033
3.6231 g

Table 3.1b Triple Beam Balance

10 peso coin

= 8.8 g+8.7 g+8.7 g =8.7 g

X
3

s=

(8.88.7)2 +(8.78.7)2 +(8.78.7)2

=0.05774 g
31

CV =

0.05774 g
100=0. 66
8.7 g

5 peso coin

= 7.8 g+7.7 g+7.7 g =7.7 g

X
3

(7.87.7)2+(7.77.7)2+(7.77.7)2
s=
=0.05774 g
31
CV =

0.05774 g
100=0.75
7.7 g

1 peso coin (1)

= 5.9 g+5.9 g +5.9 g =5.9 g

X
3

s=

(5.95.9) +(5.95.9) +(5.95.9)

=0 g
31

CV =

0g
100=0
5.9 g

1 peso coin (2)

= 5.2 g+5.2 g+5.2 g =5.2 g

X
3

s=

(5.25.2)2 +(5.25.2)2 +(5.25.2)2

=0 g
31

CV =

0g
100=0
5.2 g

25 cent (1)

= 3.6 g+3.6 g+3.6 g =3.6 g

X
3

s=

(3.63.6)2+(3.63.6)2+(3.63.6)2
=0 g
31

CV =

0g
100=0
3.6 g

25 cent (2)

= 3.5 g+3.5 g+3.5 g =3.5 g

X
3

(3.53.5)2 +(3.53.5)2 +(3.53.5)2

s=
=0 g
31
CV =

0g
100=0
3.5 g

25 cent (3)

 = 3.6 g+3.6 g+3.6 g =3.6 g

X
3

s=

(3.63.6)2+(3.63.6)2+(3.63.6)2
=0 g
31

CV =

0g
100=0
3.6 g

25 cent (4)

= 3.6 g+3.6 g+3.6 g =3.6 g

X
3

s=

(3.63.6)2+(3.63.6)2+(3.63.6)2
=0 g
31

CV =

0g
100=0
3.6 g

Table 3.1c Temperature of Water

= 29 +28 + 29 =29
X
3

s=

(2929)2+(2829)2 +( 2929)2
=0.57735
31

CV =

0.57735 g
100=1.991
29

Table 3.1d Mass of Water

= 10.0322 g +9.9849 g +9.9981 g =10.0051 g

X
3

s=

(10.032210.0051)2+(9.984910.0051)2 +( 9.998110.0051)2
=0.0244 1 g
31

CV =

0.0244 g
100=0.244
10.0051 g

Table 3.1e Volume of a marble

V1 = 90 mL
V2 = 92 mL
Vmarble = 92 mL 90 mL = 2 mL

= 2 mL+ 2mL +2 mL =2 mL
X
3

(22)2 +(22)2+(22)2
s=
=0 mL
31
CV =

0 mL
100=0
2 mL

Table 3.1f Length of a rubber band

= 144 cm+144 cm+144 cm =144 cm

X
3

(144144)2 +(144144 )2+(144144)2

s=
=0 cm
31
CV =

0 cm
100=0
144 cm

CHAPTER 4
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
In Table3.1a, the masses of the two 1 peso coins differ because the first peso coin was made on
1996 which has higher metal content compared to the other peso coin that was made on 2014. The 1 st, 3rd
and 4th 25 centavo coin have greater mass because it was made on 2014 while the 2 nd 25 centavo coin
was made last 2015. The 10 peso coin, 5 peso coin and one 25 cent have the same standard deviation,
but different coefficient of variation. The 2 nd and 3rd 25 centavo coins have higher precision followed by the
4th 25 centavo coin, the 1st peso coin, the 2nd peso coin, and the 1st 25 centavo coin, 10 peso coin and 5
peso coin.
In Table 3.1b, the two 1 peso coins and four 25 centavo coins have higher precision followed by
the 10 peso coin and 5 peso coin. The temperature of water in Table 3.1c have high precision. In Table
3.1d, the masses of a 10mL water differs because of personal error. The volume of the marble and the
length of a rubber band have higher precision. The measurements in the triple beam balance is most
variable compared to the analytical balance.
In comparing for the precision of the measurements, we based our reading on the coefficient of
variation than the standard deviation because the standard deviation generally increases or decreases
proportionally as the mean increases or decreases while the coefficient of variation is a correction of the
standard deviation that allows comparison of variability estimates regardless of the magnitude of the
sample.
The sources of variation are personal and instrumental error. The experimenter failed to handle
the instrument in measuring the mass of the water.

CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Precision refers to the closeness of two or more measurements to each other. The mean is the
average of the numbers: a calculated "central" value of a set of numbers. The Standard Deviation is a
measure of how spread out numbers are. The coefficient of variation (CV), also known as relative
standard deviation (RSD), is a standardized measurement of dispersion of a probability distribution or
frequency distribution.
Therefore, the mass of the coins may differ year by year because of their metal content. The
precision in measurement also depend on how the student perform the experiments, how they handle the
instrument and how they read the measurement.
The experimenter recommends to calibrate the instrument before using and read carefully the
procedure and research beforehand some techniques in doing the experiment.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1]
http://chemistry.about.com/od/unitsconversions/fl/What-Is-the-Difference-Between-Accuracy-andPrecision.htm (taken July 9, 2016)
[2] D. A. Skoog, D. M. West, F. J Holler, S. R. Crouch Errors in Chemical Analyses Analytical chemistry,
9th Edition, pp. 121 130.
[3] The higher education chemistry journal of The Royal Society of Chemistry University Chemistry
Education, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 24, April 2001.
[4] G. F. Reed, F. Lynn, B. D. Meade Use of Coefficient of Variation in Assessing Variability of
Quantitative Assays vol. 9, 6th edition, pp. 12351239. 2002 November.