how would the accuracy of your determined equilibrium constant expression change if all your volume measurements were made with graduated cylinders rather than pipets?

Question

anonymous · Answer

The accuracy of a graduated cylinder is typically around ±10% of the volume. The accuracy of a pipette is typically less than ±0.5%. 

So, if your equilibrium reaction is first order with respect to volume, the constant may be off by as much as 10%. If it's second order, it may be off as much as 19% (1-(1-10%)^2). 

If you use a pipette it may be off by 0.5% if it's 1st order or 1% if it's 2nd order.