Which of the following is a potential source of error in a typical chemistry experiment?

• A. Recording measurements with excessive precision
• B. Using improperly calibrated equipment
• C. Using pure reagents with no contaminants
• D. Carefully following all procedural steps

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a potential source of error in a chemistry experiment is any factor that can cause the measured results to deviate from the true or expected values.
2. Recognize that recording measurements with excessive precision is not typically an error source; it may lead to over-reporting certainty but does not introduce systematic error.
3. Identify that using pure reagents with no contaminants and carefully following all procedural steps are practices that minimize errors rather than cause them.
4. Focus on the fact that using improperly calibrated equipment can introduce systematic errors because the measurements will consistently deviate from the true values due to incorrect instrument settings.
5. Conclude that among the options, using improperly calibrated equipment is a valid potential source of error because it directly affects the accuracy of the experimental data.