Calculate the density of a liquid in g/mL to the correct number of significant digits, if a flask containing 9.55 mL of the liquid weighs 157.2 g with the liquid and 148.4 g when empty.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Calculate the mass of the liquid by subtracting the mass of the empty flask from the mass of the flask with the liquid: \( m_{\text{liquid}} = m_{\text{flask with liquid}} - m_{\text{empty flask}} \).
2. Substitute the given values into the equation: \( m_{\text{liquid}} = 157.2\, \text{g} - 148.4\, \text{g} \).
3. Determine the volume of the liquid, which is given as 9.55 mL.
4. Use the formula for density: \( \text{Density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}} \).
5. Substitute the mass of the liquid and the volume into the density formula to find the density in g/mL, ensuring the answer is reported with the correct number of significant figures.

Key Concepts

Density

Density is defined as the mass of a substance divided by its volume, typically expressed in grams per milliliter (g/mL) for liquids. It is a crucial physical property that helps identify substances and can indicate purity. The formula for density is D = m/V, where D is density, m is mass, and V is volume.

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. When performing calculations, the result should be reported with the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures to maintain accuracy.

Mass Calculation

To find the mass of the liquid in the flask, subtract the mass of the empty flask from the total mass of the flask with the liquid. This calculation is essential for determining the mass component needed to calculate density. In this case, the mass of the liquid is 157.2 g (total) - 148.4 g (empty) = 8.8 g.