Question

the experimental calculation of the specific heat of aluminum was found to be 0.156 cal/g°c, but the actual value was given as 0.185 cal/g°c. what is the percent error?

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the absolute error

The formula for absolute error is \(| \text{Experimental Value}-\text{Actual Value}|\).
Here, Experimental Value \(= 0.156\) cal/g°C and Actual Value \(= 0.185\) cal/g°C.
\(|0.156 - 0.185|=| - 0.029| = 0.029\)

Step2: Calculate the percent error

The formula for percent error is \(\frac{\text{Absolute Error}}{\text{Actual Value}}\times100\%\)
Substitute the values: \(\frac{0.029}{0.185}\times 100\%=\frac{290}{18.5}\% \approx 15.7\%\)

Answer:

\(15.7\%\)