Laboratory Techniques and Measurements
General Chemistry 1
Lab 1: Laboratory Techniques and Measurements
Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to ensure that students are able to understand how to conduct measurements of length, mass, temperature, density and volume using different measuring devices. Students will also learn how to dilute substances by using simple algebra.
Procedure: 1. Prepare a data table similar to Data Table 1 shown below. 2. Choose any three objects that are shorter than the metric ruler to measure, such as a CD, key, spoon, etc. a. Measure the objects’ lengths in centimeters. Estimate to one decimal place. Record the measurements in Data Table 1. b. Measure the objects’ lengths in millimeters. Estimate to one decimal place. Record the measurements in Data Table 1.
Warm Temperature Measurements
NOTE: If a stove is available, simplify this exercise by bringing the water to a boil in a pot on the stove, instead of in the 100 mL beaker over the burner fuel. 1. Prepare a data table similar to Data Table 2 shown below. 2. Fill a 100 mL beaker with 50 mL of hot tap water. Get the water as hot as possible. 3. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the beaker using Celsius units. Record the measurements in Data Table 2. 4. Place the beaker of water on the wire gauze burner stand. 5. Remove the cap from the burner fuel and set it aside. Light the fuel and slip it under the burner stand. Note: when lit, the flame may be barely visible. 6. Bring the water to a full boil and record its temperature. Record the measurement in Data Table 2. 7. Let the water boil for about 5 minutes. Record the temperature in Data Table 2. 8. Extinguish the burner fuel by placing the lid loosely on the can to cut off the air supply. Let the fuel can cool before screwing on the lid. If the lid is screwed on while the fuel is hot, it can create a vacuum and make opening the can difficult in the future.
Cold Temperature Measurements 1. Allow the 100 mL
Lab 1: Laboratory Techniques and Measurements
Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to ensure that students are able to understand how to conduct measurements of length, mass, temperature, density and volume using different measuring devices. Students will also learn how to dilute substances by using simple algebra.
Procedure: 1. Prepare a data table similar to Data Table 1 shown below. 2. Choose any three objects that are shorter than the metric ruler to measure, such as a CD, key, spoon, etc. a. Measure the objects’ lengths in centimeters. Estimate to one decimal place. Record the measurements in Data Table 1. b. Measure the objects’ lengths in millimeters. Estimate to one decimal place. Record the measurements in Data Table 1.
Warm Temperature Measurements
NOTE: If a stove is available, simplify this exercise by bringing the water to a boil in a pot on the stove, instead of in the 100 mL beaker over the burner fuel. 1. Prepare a data table similar to Data Table 2 shown below. 2. Fill a 100 mL beaker with 50 mL of hot tap water. Get the water as hot as possible. 3. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the beaker using Celsius units. Record the measurements in Data Table 2. 4. Place the beaker of water on the wire gauze burner stand. 5. Remove the cap from the burner fuel and set it aside. Light the fuel and slip it under the burner stand. Note: when lit, the flame may be barely visible. 6. Bring the water to a full boil and record its temperature. Record the measurement in Data Table 2. 7. Let the water boil for about 5 minutes. Record the temperature in Data Table 2. 8. Extinguish the burner fuel by placing the lid loosely on the can to cut off the air supply. Let the fuel can cool before screwing on the lid. If the lid is screwed on while the fuel is hot, it can create a vacuum and make opening the can difficult in the future.
Cold Temperature Measurements 1. Allow the 100 mL