In which situation is it most appropriate to use percent error in reporting experimental results?

• A. When comparing an experimental value to an accepted or theoretical value
• B. When analyzing the random error in repeated trials
• C. When determining the number of significant figures in a measurement
• D. When calculating the precision between multiple measurements

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that percent error is a way to quantify how close an experimental value is to a known or accepted theoretical value.
2. Recognize that percent error is calculated using the formula: \(\text{Percent Error} = \left| \frac{\text{Experimental Value} - \text{Accepted Value}}{\text{Accepted Value}} \right| \times 100\%\).
3. Note that percent error is not used to analyze random error or precision between multiple measurements; those involve different statistical tools like standard deviation or relative standard deviation.
4. Also, percent error is unrelated to determining the number of significant figures, which is about measurement accuracy and reporting.
5. Therefore, the most appropriate use of percent error is when comparing an experimental value to an accepted or theoretical value to assess accuracy.