🧪 Full Detailed Explanation

When conducting laboratory measurements involving an unknown liquid, it’s essential to follow a systematic approach to achieve accuracy and repeatability. This type of experiment typically involves using a graduated cylinder to measure liquid volume and a digital or analytical balance to record mass.

In this case, the mass of the graduated cylinder with three different volumes of an unknown liquid is recorded. The goal is to determine which set of values reflects real, consistent, and logically increasing measurements.

🔹 Understanding the Data

To identify the correct set of values, consider what each measurement represents:

• The first value is typically the mass of the empty graduated cylinder.
• The second and third values include the cylinder plus added volumes of liquid.

So, we apply this idea:

🔹 Applying to the Correct Answer

From the selected option (75.000 g, 86.100 g, 97.200 g), we analyze the differences:

• 86.100 g − 75.000 g = 11.100 g
• 97.200 g − 86.100 g = 11.100 g

This shows a consistent increase in mass (11.100 g), which suggests that the same volume of liquid was added each time and that the liquid has a constant density. These are key indicators of precise measurement and scientific integrity.

🔹 Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Let’s briefly review the shortcomings of other options:

• Option 1: 85.000 g − 75.000 g = 10.000 g, 95.300 g − 85.000 g = 10.300 g → not consistent.
• Option 3: 10.000 g, 20.000 g, 30.000 g → too low; indicates either error or an unrealistic empty cylinder mass.
• Option 4: Suggests an empty cylinder mass of 86.100 g → not realistic for typical labware.

📏 Practical Importance of Consistency

In any measurement-based experiment, consistency plays a critical role in validating results. The fact that the mass increases consistently with each volume indicates that:

• The balance was correctly zeroed.
• The same cylinder was used throughout.
• No spillage or measurement error occurred during transfers.

This consistency makes the data set (75.000 g, 86.100 g, 97.200 g) not just correct—but scientifically reliable.

📊 Real-World Application

Understanding this principle has wide applications:

• Chemistry labs for solution preparation and stoichiometry.
• Pharmaceuticals for measuring precise liquid ingredients.
• Environmental science for measuring pollutants in liquid samples.
• Food science for evaluating concentrations in liquids like juices or extracts.

Whether in an academic lab or an industrial environment, mass-by-difference measurements form the backbone of countless procedures.

🧠 Final Thoughts

When analyzing measurement data:

• Always look for patterns and consistency.
• Be aware of realistic values based on apparatus used.
• Confirm that mass increases proportionally with volume.

These fundamental practices ensure scientific accuracy and enable reliable experimentation.