Four independent laboratories each prepared a crystalline sample believed to be…
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties
Problem
Four independent laboratories each prepared a crystalline sample believed to be tin(II) fluoride and measured the masses of tin and fluorine present.
Lab 1: 4.75 g Sn and 1.25 g F
Lab 2: 3.80 g Sn and 1.00 g F
Lab 3: 5.23 g Sn and 1.37 g F
Lab 4: 4.12 g Sn and 1.30 g F
(a) For each laboratory, calculate the mass percent of tin to three significant figures.
(b) Identify any sample that does not conform to the expected constant composition, using a maximum allowable deviation of ±1.5 % from the average of the conforming samples. Show all calculations.
(c) Using the average composition of the acceptable samples, determine the simplest whole-number ratio of Sn : F atoms and write the corresponding empirical formula.
(d) Propose one specific experimental error that could account for the deviation observed in the non-conforming sample identified in part (b).