Basic Chemistry Laboratory Manual CHEM 101L Prof. Haber Prof. McPike Morrisville State College FALL 2017 1 P a g e
Introduction The purpose of the chemistry laboratory is to further develop your understanding of chemistry by applying the concepts you learn in class to an actual experiment. If done properly can make a major difference in your understanding of the subject. Throughout the semester it s important to recognize that we re performing a series of chemical/physical tests for a purpose. There is a purpose behind each experiment, in order to succeed in this class it s paramount that you understand what the underlying concepts that are being applied. Science has a rhyme and reason, the better you understand how things connect the better you will do in the course. Preparation is the key to success in the laboratory, it will not only improve your understanding of the experiment and help you succeed on the assigned material, but it will also increase your efficiency making the lab periods shorter. In preparation for a lab read the material, watch the videos provided to reinforce the techniques, and understand the things to consider segment of the introduction. Glassware and Equipment Entering the chemistry laboratory may seem daunting as there will be a number of things you re unfamiliar with. The very first thing you may notice is the large variety of different glass containers; they each serve a different purpose. Throughout your time in the lab you will learn the proper use and procedure for the lab equipment, but it s worth noting that there is a correct time to use all of the different types of glassware so pay close attention to when and why a specific piece is used. Glassware is one of the most important things in the experimental chemist s toolbox, so it s important to recognize the different types and when there are potential problems. Figure 0.1 shows a variety of different glassware that you should become familiar with throughout the semester. Before each laboratory session it s important that you take a quick inventory of what you will be using to increase your efficiency in the lab. Having everything prepared and ready to go will make you much more efficient in accomplishing your experimental goals. Glassware and a lot of laboratory equipment is fragile so it should all be handled with care. You should replace any glassware that has a chip, fracture, star fracture, or other deformities. These small imperfections can potentially be very hazardous considering the strain that we typically put the glass under. If there is a tiny fracture in a beaker and it is heated under a Bunsen burner, that can potentially lead to a very dangerous situation, so always check the glassware and verify its integrity with your instructor. Cleaning is a monotonous task, but it s important to always have a clean work space to increase efficiency in the lab. Glassware is one of the biggest culprits for becoming dirty while sitting in a drawer doing nothing; so using warm water and soap clean the glassware, rinse, and allow it to dry before the first experiment. Once you know everything has been cleaned thoroughly a quick rinse with deionized water will have it ready to for each subsequent lab. Keep a clean desk/drawer. 2 P a g e
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Figure 0.1 illustration of typical laboratory glassware 4 P a g e
Safety in the Laboratory Chemistry is a hands-on science. Students are often asked to interact with chemicals, glassware, and a wide variety of instruments, proper handling to minimize the risk of injury is important. There are a variety of safety measures to avoid injury in the lab and the instructor will point them out before class begins. These safety measures are in place for you, and your fellow lab mates, so please act accordingly and don t endanger yourself or others. Personal Safety Protection for the Eyes Government regulations, as well as common sense, require protective eyewear while inside the laboratory. There are a variety of personal safety options for your eyes, but the most robust are the safety goggles, shown below in Figure 0.2. Goggles, as opposed to glasses, offer the best protection for your eyes even in the event of a spill they will protect the area around your eyes. These are REQUIRED AT ALL TIME; failure to wear your goggles will result in a failing grade. Figure 0.2 Student safety goggles Lab Coat The lab coat offers an additional layer of protection between you and the chemicals used in lab. These are not required, but recommended especially when using caustic chemicals. The typical lab coat offers a chemical resistant coating to reduce the chance of injury. It also will provide protection for your clothes as even rubbing your arms on a lab bench can pick up chemical residue. 5 P a g e
Safety Around the Lab Eye-wash station If you happen to get something in your eyes during the lab there are multiple eye washing stations available to flush the irritant. If such an incident does occur calmly walk to the eye wash station, remove your goggles, push down the panic bar to allow the water to flow, and place your face in the rushing water. Keep your eyes open and allow the water to cleanse your eyes. If you feel an irritant don t wait, the quicker you start washing your eyes the better off you will be. Figure 0.4 Eye Wash Station Laboratory Deluge Shower In the event that someone experiences a large scale chemical spill there is a deluge shower that will offer a quick solution. In the event of someone catching their hair on fire or a chemical spill that cannot be handled by the eye wash, immediately push or drag the person to the shower and pull the metal ring. Safety showers typically dump 40 to 50 gallons of water which should offer relief from the situation. Keep in mind that these showers cannot be shut off once the metal ring is pulled. Figure 0.5 Deluge Shower 6 P a g e
Protection from Fire The laboratory offers two protective measures against fire: a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher and a fire blanket. In the event that a chemical fire occurs simply retrieve the fire extinguisher from the wall, pull the pin, point the nozzle at the fire, and squeeze the handle. Continue to discharge the fire extinguisher even after the fire is out to be certain that it will not ignite once oxygen reaches the source. In the event of a fire catching onto a student s clothing or hair the fire can be smothered with the fire blanket found in the lab. Simply remove the blanket from the wall mount and wrap the person to extinguish the fire. Figure 0.6 Fire Extinguisher 7 P a g e
Fume Hoods Many of the experiments will be performed in a fume hood. The purpose of a fume hood is to protect the chemist from volatile toxic fumes and other dangers. When using the fume hood be sure to make sure that the safety glass remains between you and the experiment, do not leave the glass partition all the way up. Proper use of the fume hood will be demonstrated by your lab instructor. Figure 0.7 Typical Lab Fume Hood Waste management Proper disposal of laboratory chemicals is also required by law. A collection point for these chemicals will be set up by the instructor along with specific instructions about waste collection. Please abide by all of the rules set forth, as toxic chemicals shouldn t go down the drain and can be potentially hazardous to others. Figure 0.8 Hazardous Material Labels 8 P a g e