The methods described to be used for analysis of ore that assay about 1.2% of gold what minimum. sample mass should be taken if relative error resulting from 0.4mg loss is not exceed ? a) -0.8%. ?

To determine the minimum sample mass that should be taken, we need to calculate the relative error resulting from a 0.4mg loss and compare it to the maximum allowable relative error of -0.8%.

The relative error can be calculated using the formula:

Relative Error = (Loss in mass / Original mass) * 100

Given that the loss in mass is 0.4mg and the gold content is 1.2%, we can assume that the original mass is x grams.

So, the loss in mass can be expressed as (0.012 * x) grams.

Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

Relative Error = (0.4 / x) * 100

To find the minimum sample mass, we need to solve the inequality:

(0.4 / x) * 100 ≤ -0.8

Dividing both sides of the inequality by 100, we get:

0.4 / x ≤ -0.008

Multiplying both sides of the inequality by x, we get:

0.4 ≤ -0.008x

Dividing both sides of the inequality by -0.008, we get:

x ≥ 50

Therefore, the minimum sample mass that should be taken is 50 grams.