Question

Which of these statements are qualitative? Which are quantitative? Explain your choice in each case. (a) Sodium is a silvery-white metal. (b) Aluminum melts at \(660^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). (c) Carbon makes up about \(23 \%\) of the human body by mass. (d) Pure carbon occurs in different forms: graphite, diamond, and fullerenes.

Short answer

(a) and (d) are qualitative; (b) and (c) are quantitative.

Step-by-step solution

Define Qualitative and Quantitative

Qualitative data is descriptive and relates to the attributes or characteristics of something. Quantitative data refers to numerical information that can be measured or counted.

Analyze Statement (a)

The statement 'Sodium is a silvery-white metal' is qualitative because it describes the color and appearance of sodium without using numbers.

Analyze Statement (b)

The statement 'Aluminum melts at \(660^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)' is quantitative because it provides a numerical value for the melting point of aluminum.

Analyze Statement (c)

The statement 'Carbon makes up about \(23 \%\) of the human body by mass' is quantitative since it gives a numerical percentage describing the mass of carbon in the human body.

Analyze Statement (d)

The statement 'Pure carbon occurs in different forms: graphite, diamond, and fullerenes' is qualitative because it lists various forms of carbon without numerical data.

Key concepts

Qualitative Data

Qualitative data refers to descriptive information that expresses the qualities or characteristics of a subject without involving numerical values. When you encounter qualitative data, expect to see words or phrases that describe attributes, types, or appearances. For example, saying "Sodium is a silvery-white metal" is a qualitative statement. It describes the appearance of sodium using words rather than numbers and gives anyone reading the statement a picture of what sodium might look like. Here are some key aspects of qualitative data:

• Focuses on descriptions rather than measurements.
• Involves attributes like color, texture, or performance.
• Is often subjective, influenced by personal perspectives and context.

Qualitative data is essential in areas where understanding qualities and characteristics is important, such as in customer feedback, product reviews, and chemical properties, where the focus is on the nature of substances.

Quantitative Data

Quantitative data, in contrast to qualitative data, involves numerical measurements and answers questions like "how much?" or "how many?" This type of data can be quantified and is often used to perform statistical analysis. In chemistry, quantitative analysis is fundamental for determining exact measurements like temperature or concentration. For instance, the statement "Aluminum melts at \(660^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)" is quantitative. It provides a precise numerical measure indicating the temperature at which aluminum changes state from solid to liquid. Here’s what to expect from quantitative data:

• Includes numbers and units of measurement.
• Provides clarity with exact values and quantities.
• Allows for statistical validation and analysis.

Quantitative data is critical in scientific experiments, surveys, and economics where precise data drives decisions and conclusions.

Chemical Properties Analysis

Chemical properties analysis involves assessing both qualitative and quantitative data to understand the characteristics and behaviors of substances. This includes not only what a substance looks or feels like (qualitative) but also how it quantitatively reacts and measures in different conditions. For example, analyzing carbon might include:

• Qualitative observation of forms like graphite and diamond.
• Quantitative analysis of carbon content in a sample, such as stating it comprises "about \(23\%\) of the human body by mass."

Combining both types of analysis provides a more comprehensive understanding of chemical substances. This comprehensive approach helps scientists predict reactions, develop new materials, and ensure safety in chemical applications. Whether you're measuring the melting point of aluminum or describing the different forms of carbon, both qualitative and quantitative data play critical roles in chemical analysis, allowing us to grasp the full complexity of substances.