After drying to a constant mass, the cooling should occur at room temperature.

After drying to a constant mass, the cooling should occur at room temperature.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Given
• D. Not Applicable

Answer: (A)

Stabilizing the sample’s mass relies on proper cooling after drying. Once the material has been dried to a constant mass, you want it to come to room temperature in a desiccator so it doesn’t exchange moisture with the surrounding air. If you weigh it while it’s still hot, moisture may still be evaporating, causing a lighter reading. If you cool in a non-desiccated environment, the sample could absorb moisture or condense moisture from the air, also altering the mass. Cooling at room temperature ensures the mass you measure reflects the true dried mass, making the result accurate.

Stabilizing the sample’s mass relies on proper cooling after drying. Once the material has been dried to a constant mass, you want it to come to room temperature in a desiccator so it doesn’t exchange moisture with the surrounding air. If you weigh it while it’s still hot, moisture may still be evaporating, causing a lighter reading. If you cool in a non-desiccated environment, the sample could absorb moisture or condense moisture from the air, also altering the mass. Cooling at room temperature ensures the mass you measure reflects the true dried mass, making the result accurate.