What are sources of error in measuring the density of a solution?
I recently did a lab in which I determined the density of a solution of KCl. Materials used were a funnel, 50 mL buret (to deliver the volume of KCl), and a small beaker.
Now that the lab is done, I am having trouble coming up with sources of error. (NOTE: I do not mean human error, but errors that are inherent in the lab. For example, a contaminated buret would not be a source of error because we were expected to have rinsed the it before using it. An incorrectly calibrated balance would not be a source of error either.)
Can anyone think of any possible sources or error? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The temperature must be stated and controlled while weighing and reading volume especially. All the equipment must be kept at the stated temperature or the volume will change when it either cools or heats.
Dissolved gases in the solution must be driven out before reading the volume and weight. And must be preventing from entering once the process is started.
Parallax errors (really a human error) can be hard to avoid for beginners and reading the top level of the solution in the buret and not the meniscus are common mistakes (human error again).