INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY LABORATORY MANUAL Revised May 1996, 4th edition       Donald O. Peterson Charles A. Giansanti Michael L. Moore     Department of Chemistry Gallaudet University Washington, D.C. 20002

[intro.lab]
 

The experiments in this manual have been in use in the Introductory Chemistry class for a number of years. They have been adapted from many sources and are continually being revised. Any suggestions you have to improve them will be appreciated. Read the assigned experiment before coming to class. The work CAN be done in two hours if you have read the directions and are prepared to proceed immediately upon entering the lab. 5-6 experiments will be performed each semester. Each lab session will start at 2PM and will include a pre-lab quiz based on the experiment. Two laboratory sessionswill be used for each experiment:

• DATA COLLECTION: the first week's lab will complete all experimental data collection and picture taking.
• REPORTING: During the second week's lab you will write up a report on your experiment, publish your work on the world-wide-web and hand in a printout to the instructor before the end of the lab.

• SAFETY TEST AND PRELAB QUIZS (20%): Each lab session will start with a short quiz based on the day's lab. At the end of the semester, the two LOWEST quiz grades will not be included in your final grade. Each student must score above 75% on the safety test to participate in the laboratory work.
• LAB PARTICIPATION (20%): You are expected to be present during each lab session, follow proper safety regulations and work like a professional.
• LAB REPORT (30%): Your reports will be posted on the WWW. Your reports will be graded twice and averaged together: immediately after a REPORTING lab (15%) and again at the end of the course (15%). At the end of the semester, one LOWEST report grade will not be included in your final grade.
• MIDTERM TEST (15%): This will include safety questions, questions about prior lab work and hands-on activities demonstrating skills.
• FINAL TEST (15%): This will include safety questions, questions about prior lab work and hands-on activities demonstrating skills.

If you miss a laboratory, you will be given a zero for that experiment. If you have a valid excuse, give it in writing to the Instructor.

Exp # TITLE page

Introduction to the Laboratory i
 

1 Metric Measurement - GUIDE

2 Density - GUIDE

3 Physical and Chemical Changes - GUIDE

4 Measuring Temperature - GUIDE

5 Distillation - GUIDE
 

6 Writing Inorganic Formulas - GUIDE

7 Ionic Compounds and Conductivity - GUIDE

8a Measurement of pH - GUIDE

8b Measurement of pH (Red Cabbage Indicator) - GUIDE

9 Analysis of Vinegar - GUIDE

10 Minerals and Ores - GUIDE
 

11 Models of Organic Compounds - GUIDE

12 Hydrocarbon Reactions - GUIDE

13 Finding the Percentage of Alcohol - GUIDE

14 Preparation of Nylon 6 - GUIDE

15 Carbohydrate Analysis - GUIDE
 

16 Preparation and Properties of Oxygen - GUIDE

17 Preparation of Soap - GUIDE

18 Water Pollution - A Simulation - GUIDE

19 Properties of Hard Water - GUIDE

20 Analysis for Metals - GUIDE
 

21 Analysis of the Silver Group - GUIDE

22 Testing for Protein - GUIDE

23 Fingerprints - GUIDE

24 Preparation of Aspirin - GUIDE
 

CHEMISTRY is an experimental science. In the laboratory, you will get your hands dirty. The experiments chosen for this class are designed to be safe. However, carelessness or foolish behavior can change a safe experiment to a very dangerous one. Chemicals should be treated with respect. READ the lab experiment before coming to class. KNOW which chemicals will be used. Let's make our chemistry lab the fun place it should be.
 

GENERAL

0. Be on time!  If you show up late, you will miss the prelab quiz and may not have enough time to complete your experimental work.
 

1. Do not perform any unauthorized experiments. If you wish to try something different than what is in the Manual, ask the Instructor.
 

2. Never work in the lab unless the Instructor is present.
 

3. Eating and drinking in the lab is not permitted.

4. Open-toed shoes and sandals are not permitted.
 

5. Keep your work area clean. Know where the bottles are for acid spills.

6. You must go to the Infirmary for treatment of any cuts or burns. The Instructor will arrange for transportation if necessary.
 

EYE PROTECTION
 

7. Safety goggles must be worn when chemicals are being mixed or heated by anyone in the lab. Eyeglasses do not provide for splash protection.

8. If you do get a chemical in your eyes, go immediately to the fountain and wash them with flowing water for several minutes.

FIRE PROTECTION
 

9. Know where the fire extinguishers and safety shower are located.
 

10. If clothes should catch fire, go immediately to the safety shower and pull the chain or use the fire blanket..

11. Persons with long hair or beards must secure them away from the burner flame. Scarves or loose clothing should also not be worn.
 

12. Never leave lighted bunsen burners unattended. When finished using them, be sure the gas is turned off.

CHEMICAL HANDLING
 

13. Reagents (chemicals) to be used in the day's experiment will be on the Reagent table. If something is missing, see the Instructor. DO NOT take any chemicals from the storage cabinets.
 
 

14. Never take any chemical substance out of the laboratory. This is grounds for expulsion from the course and possible expulsion from the University.
 

15. Always use the smallest amount of reagent possible. Take out of a bottle only what you need. NEVER return unused portions of a reagent to their original bottle.

16. When it is necessary to smell a gas or vapor, first waft a tiny amount of vapor toward your nose. Never fully inhale an unknown vapor.
 

17. Never add water to a concentrated acid or base. Always add the reagent to water. Remember "A to W".
 

APPARATUS HANDLING
 

18. When using glassware, clamp it in place.
 

19. Before using any glassware, check it for cracks. Replace any defective glassware before using it in an experiment.
 

20. Do not use heat "soft" glass test tubes. Use tubes made of borosilicate glass (Pyrex, Tekk, Kimax).
 

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After all these warnings, you may be afraid to step into the lab. Fear is the worst attitude. Be cautious ... be careful ... be thoughtful ... but do not be afraid. You are here to learn and learning safety is part of the course. Every precaution will be taken by the Instructor and the University for your protection. Remember that the ultimate responsibility for safety in the lab rests on your own shoulders.