Problem Set 1

Chemistry BC 3242y

1)

The following results were obtained in the replicate analysis of a blood sample for
its lead content: 0.752, 0.756, 0.752, 0.751 and 0.760 ppm Pb. Calculate the mean,
standard deviation, relative standard deviation and variance of these data.

2)

The standard deviation in measuring the diameter d of a sphere is found to

be +/- 0.02cm. What is the final answer with its standard deviation in the calculated
volume V of the sphere if d = 2.15cm?

3)

The relative standard deviation in y for the expression y = a3 is not the same as the
relative standard deviation in y for the expression y = abc (where a=b=c). Why is
this so? Explain briefly.

Chemistry BC3242y: Set 1

4)

Page 2

A 3.4842g sample of a solid mixture containing benzoic acid was dissolved and
titrated with base to a phenolphthalein end point. At the end point, 41.36mL of
0.2328M NaOH had been added. Calculate the percent benzoic acid (HBz) in the
sample, and report this value with the appropriate absolute uncertainty, correctly
rounded. (Hint: build an uncertainty table!)

Chemistry BC3242y: Set 1

5)

Page 3

A chemist obtained the following data for the alcohol content of a sample of a
students blood taken during Bacchanal: %C2H5OH: 0.084, 0.089, 0.079. Calculate
the 95% confidence limits of the mean assuming a) no additional knowledge about
the precision of the method and then b) with the knowledge that based on previous
experience it is known that s 0.005%. Comment on the difference between the
two values.

Chemistry BC3242y: Set 1

6)

Page 4

A new procedure for the rapid determination of sulfur in gasoline was tested on a
sample known from other methods to contain 0.123% sulfur. The results from the
new method of determination found %S = 0.112, 0.118, 0.115 and 0.119. Assuming a
95% confidence level, do these data indicate that there is a bias in the method? Does
the conclusion change if you use a 99% confidence level?