I want to copy a solution from a publication but am unsure how exactly to prepare it. They say "15 parts X and 85 parts Y". Is this generally meant
for mass or volume?
Thank youELRIC - 22-8-2018 at 06:14
Do you have a link to the publication? cobraface - 22-8-2018 at 06:16
It's an ambiguous term that depends on context. If measuring a solid, it's usually by mass, as that is most conventional.
I would lean towards volume in this case. Why? Because you don't normally weigh liquids, but measure them by volume using glassware. Could you
imagine spilling some drops of 68% nitric acid on an expensive electronic balance?
It's better for an author to specify mass or volume for clarity. In a way this type of thing is like trying to cook from a recipe. If a recipe calls
for 1c. of flour, that means one cup, leveled off at the top of the measuring cup. If the same recipe specifies 1c. of sugar, that means one cup,
piled up so that sugar is falling off the sides. Completely different volumes. Better recipes will specify everything in mass so that there is no
confusion among those who understandably don't know better.
[Edited on 8-22-2018 by WGTR]unionised - 22-8-2018 at 10:50
