Answer:
There are a few possible reasons why the plot of absorbance vs the amount of nitrite was not linear.
The concentration of the nitrite solutions was not accurately measured. If the concentrations of the solutions were not accurately measured, then the plot of absorbance vs concentration would not be linear.
The absorbance readings were not accurate. If the absorbance readings were not accurate, then the plot of absorbance vs concentration would not be linear.
The reaction between the nitrite and the reagent was not stoichiometric. If the reaction between the nitrite and the reagent was not stoichiometric, then the plot of absorbance vs concentration would not be linear.
The instrument was not calibrated properly. If the instrument was not calibrated properly, then the plot of absorbance vs concentration would not be linear.
It is important to troubleshoot the problem to determine the cause of the non-linearity. Once the cause is known, the problem can be corrected and a linear plot of absorbance vs concentration can be obtained.
Step-by-step explanation: