Need help for thnking of errors for a chem lab

Xylitol

Diamond Member
Aug 28, 2005
6,617
0
76
Basically, my teacher wants our class to think of 3 errors to put onto our lab report for things that could have not gone as planned if the lab was perfect
(Cant do things like contamination / human problems)

The lab involves given 11 random solid substances and then adding different liquids until you come to the names of all 11 judging by their reactions to the liquids.

 

Gibsons

Lifer
Aug 14, 2001
12,530
35
91
Given time, some of the substances you're using might degrade and/or change, like by absorbing water or CO2 from the atmosphere.
 

calvinbiss

Golden Member
Apr 5, 2001
1,745
0
0
Not adding enough liquid to ensure reaction and therefore could not judge the substance.

How can your teacher disregard contamination!?
 

richardycc

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2001
5,719
1
81
I can think of a lot, like reaction might not take place under room temperature/ATP condition, etc, I aint gonna do it for you, go do your own homework yourself.
 

mfbf

Senior member
Mar 8, 2002
333
0
0
How about the reaction is too slow and didn't react in the time your were observing it.
 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
5,099
2
0
dirty equipment, contamination, temperature, lighitng, atmosphere, mislabeled molarity on bottles of solution...