To prepare a standard solution of Mn2+ a 0.250 g sample of Mn is dissolved in 10 mL of concentrated HNO3 (measured with a graduated cylinder). The resulting solution is quantitatively transferred to a 100-mL volumetric fask and diluted to volume with distilled water. A 10 mL aliquot of the solution is pipeted into a 500-mL volumetric flask and diluted to volume. (a) Express the concentration of Mn in mg/L, and estimate its uncertainty using a propagation of uncertainty.
(b) Can you improve the concentration’s uncertainty by using a pipet to measure the HNO3, instead of a graduated cylinder?