[ericag12345]

Hi I am having trouble solving the following problem. The question asks you to identify two weaknesses in the procedure for the experiment described below and explain why, from a scientific perspective, they are weaknesses.

The procedure is listed as follows:
1. Measure the mass of the magnesium ribbon.
2. Clean the ribbon with sandpaper.
3. Add 10 mL of 1.0 M HCL to a 50 mL graduated cylinder. Fill the rest of the graduated cylinder with water.
4. Put the magnesium ribbon into the graduated cylinder.
5. Cover the graduated cylinder with plastic wrap. Poke a hole in the plastic wrap.
6. Invert the graduated cylinder in a beaker of water. Let the reaction occur until the ribbon is gone.
7. Measure the volume of the hydrogen gas produced by the reaction.

[Borek]

Won't hurt knowing what is the aim of the experiment.

[Arkcon]

7. Measure the volume of the hydrogen gas produced by the reaction.

Another thing, how exactly is this done?  If this the final aim?  Which of the above steps do you think compromise this measurement?

On this forum, we like to see a little effort from the poster, then we offer hints or help with some small problems.  You haven't made any effort, and you're not asking for hints, just for us to do it for you.  Please don't think that copying the procedure from your text counts as effort, especially hen you've left crucial steps out.