The actual density of iron is 7.874 g/mL. In a laboratory investigation, Jason finds the density of a piece of iron to be 7.921 g/mL. What is the percent error that is associated with Jason’s measurement?
-4.7%
-0.6%
0.6%
4.7%

Question

The actual density of iron is 7.874 g/mL. In a laboratory investigation, Jason finds the density of a piece of iron to be 7.921 g/mL. What is the percent error that is associated with Jason’s measurement?
-4.7%
-0.6%
0.6%
4.7%

ramirocruzo · Answer

"Percentage Error": show the error as a percent of the exact value ... so divide by the exact value and make it a percentage:
$$\frac{ 7.921-7.874 }{ 7.874 }\times100=0.59\approx0.6 %$$

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!