CHEM 2470

Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

Problem Set #2
For discussion in tutorial the week of Monday 18th September, 2017
Please read Chapter 4 Sections 4-1 and 4-2 before attempting this problem set.

(a) Harris, D.C., Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 8e. Chapter 4, Problems 4.1, 4.8

(b) A project to determine the suitability of a low-cost, DIY monitor for atmospheric
sulphur dioxide in Trinidad and Tobago required the collection of a number of air
samples in which SO2 concentration was measured. Table 1 presents this data
for 10 air samples.
(i) Calculate the mean, standard deviation, and variance of this data set.
Write the values with an appropriate number of significant figures.
(ii) Find the 90% and 99% confidence intervals for SO2 in the air samples.
Explain the observed difference in magnitude for the confidence intervals.

Table 1. Concentration of SO2 in air samples taken around the Department of

Chemistry, UWI St. Augustine campus in 2016.

Atmospheric SO2 Atmospheric SO2

Sample
concentration, ppb
1 9.71
2 7.89
3 11.40
4 7.22
5 4.81
Sample
concentration, ppb
6 6.29
7 8.40
8 4.69
9 5.43
10 6.75

(c) In the Pitch Lake, pools form when water collects in depressions in the pitch.
Some of the pools are big enough to swim in, and contain fish and other
organisms. A project to monitor water quality and wildlife in these Pitch Lake
pools was undertaken in 2004. Table 2 presents the data for pH and dissolved
oxygen concentration measured in a number of these pools in one field event in
May 2004, along with the environmental standard for ambient surface water
quality.
(i) Calculate the 95% confidence interval for each parameter in the Pitch Lake
pool samples.
(ii) Determine whether or not the Pitch Lake pool water meets or fails the
Water Pollution Rules for pH and dissolved oxygen. Explain how you came

CHEM 2470 Problem Set #2

 to your conclusion, clearly identifying how the results of the statistical test
informed your conclusion.

Table 2. pH and dissolved oxygen levels in Pitch Lake pools in May 2004.
Dissolved
Pool Number pH
oxygen, mg/L
1 3.35 1.63
2-2 3.66 3.40
3 4.49 5.38
4-1 3.58 4.03
4-2 3.49 3.56
5 3.51 3.67
Water Pollution Rules Standard 6.00 9.00 > 4.00

CHEM 2470 Problem Set #2