Statistics Problems from Physical Chemistry

In summary: So multiplying by kg of Au was right?So multiplying by kg of Au was right?It depends on what you want to measure. You could just take the original measurements, without any multiplication, and that would give you inferences about mg of Z per kg Au. If you want something else, do the conversion.
  • #1
Ki-nana18
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Homework Statement


The following data were obtained for trace elemental zinc in a particular sample of high purity (%Au> 99.99%). The results are given in mg Zn/ kg Au.

15.38, 15.17, 15.33, 14.88, 14.71, 15.42, 15.60, 15.22

Find the zinc content and the uncertainty at 95% confidence limit.

Homework Equations



Molecular weight of gold: 196.966569 g mol-1

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the average of all the values, then converted to mg of Zinc by multiplying the kg of Au. I'm not really sure on how to find the uncertainty at 95% confidence.
 
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  • #2
Ki-nana18 said:

Homework Statement


The following data were obtained for trace elemental zinc in a particular sample of high purity (%Au> 99.99%). The results are given in mg Zn/ kg Au.

15.38, 15.17, 15.33, 14.88, 14.71, 15.42, 15.60, 15.22

Find the zinc content and the uncertainty at 95% confidence limit.

Homework Equations



Molecular weight of gold: 196.966569 g mol-1

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the average of all the values, then converted to mg of Zinc by multiplying the kg of Au. I'm not really sure on how to find the uncertainty at 95% confidence.

Find the sample mean and sample standard deviation of your data above, then use the t-distribution to determine a confidence interval.

If you have never seen this type of material before, or if your textbook or notes have not done it, the assignment question could be counted as "unfair": this type of material is not always easy to grasp, and it takes practice to understand it. On the other hand, if it is in your book or notes, why don't you just follow the method therein?

RGV
 
  • #3
So multiplying by kg of Au was right?
 
  • #4
Ki-nana18 said:
So multiplying by kg of Au was right?

It depends on what you want to measure. You could just take the original measurements, without any multiplication, and that would give you inferences about mg of Z per kg Au. If you want something else, do the conversion.

However, this has nothing at all to do with the question you were asked, which was about confidence intervals.

RGV
 

Related to Statistics Problems from Physical Chemistry

1. What is the purpose of using statistics in physical chemistry?

The use of statistics in physical chemistry is to analyze and interpret data collected from experiments, and to make predictions about the behavior of chemical systems. This allows scientists to gain a better understanding of the underlying principles and relationships that govern chemical reactions and processes.

2. How is statistical analysis applied to physical chemistry problems?

Statistical analysis is applied by using mathematical models and tools to analyze data and make predictions about chemical systems. This includes methods such as regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and probability distributions.

3. How can statistics help in understanding the reliability of experimental data in physical chemistry?

Statistics can help determine the reliability of experimental data by providing measures of central tendency, such as mean and median, and measures of variability, such as standard deviation. These measures can indicate the consistency and accuracy of the data and identify any outliers or errors.

4. What are some common statistical tools used in physical chemistry?

Some common statistical tools used in physical chemistry include regression analysis, ANOVA (analysis of variance), t-tests, and chi-square tests. These tools can help determine relationships between variables, compare groups, and test hypotheses.

5. Can statistics be used to predict the outcome of physical chemistry experiments?

Yes, statistics can be used to make predictions about the outcome of physical chemistry experiments. By analyzing data and identifying patterns, scientists can use statistical models to make predictions about the behavior of chemical systems and the results of experiments. However, it is important to note that these predictions may not always be accurate and can be affected by various factors.

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