Types of Errors in Chemical Analysis

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What is the primary characteristic of random errors?

They do not have a single direction and can be either positive or negative (correct)

They have a single direction, either positive or negative

They can be avoided and their magnitude can be determined

They are caused by non-ideal instrument behavior or faulty calibrations

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of random error?

Air bubbles in the reagent

Improperly mixed/dissolved reagent

Errors in the original calibration of the instrument (correct)

Pipette tips not fitting properly

What is the primary characteristic of determinate (systematic) errors?

They are caused by imprecise pipetting or power fluctuations

They can be avoided and their magnitude can be determined

They do not have a single direction and can be either positive or negative

They are unidirectional and bear a sign (+/-) (correct)

Which type of systematic error is the most serious?

Analytical method errors Signup and view all the answers

How can instrumental errors be readily eliminated?

By re-calibrating the measuring device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of instrumental errors?

Improperly mixed/dissolved reagent Signup and view all the answers

What type of error arises from personal carelessness or lack of experience by the analyst?

Gross mistakes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can help minimize systematic errors in an analysis?

Regular calibration of equipment Signup and view all the answers

What does 'blank determination' involve in an experiment?

Running the experiment with no sample added Signup and view all the answers

Which type of errors can be reduced by using the method of blank determination?

Systematic errors Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to correct the error of transposing numbers in recorded data?

Applying periodic calibration Signup and view all the answers

How can personal errors in analysis be reduced?

Running a blank determination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting blank determinations in an experiment?

To determine the effect of all constituents other than the sample on results Signup and view all the answers

What role does a control determination play in an experiment?

To ensure the experiment is conducted under identical conditions with a standard substance Signup and view all the answers

Why might one use independent methods of analysis in an experiment?

To establish the accuracy of results through different methods Signup and view all the answers

In quality control for clinical experiments, what is the primary purpose of running a control determination?

To ensure consistency by using standard substances Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of an experiment do blank determinations mainly focus on?

Identifying interfering contaminants in the reagents and vessels Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to conduct quality control through control determinations in clinical experiments?

To ensure that experiments are done using standard substances under identical conditions Signup and view all the answers