CHEM 1701 (online) – Lab 1

TOPIC: Lab Safety, Glassware and Measurement

*NOTE: This lab is NOT completed in Late Nite Labs. Instead, you will use a variety of videos, images
and other resources to complete this lab.

____/24marks (5% of final grade)

Background

The purpose of this lab is to become familiar with:

 lab safety protocol and procedures
 lab equipment and glassware
 proper lab techniques for measuring and weighing materials

Learning objectives

The following learning objectives are covered in this lab.

 CLO 8:Prepare for and conduct laboratoryexperiments to investigate scientificquestions using

appropriate techniques.

Procedure

Complete each section below using the links and resources provided. Where required, answer in full
sentences using appropriate scientific terminology. Note how many marks are associated with a
question and use that as a guide when structuring your response.

Handing in your lab

When complete, submit this lab to the appropriate folder in DC Connect.

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Part 1 – Lab Safety [13 marks]

BACKGROUND
Labs can be fun and exciting places. Labs are a place to experiment, practice inquiry skills and
have fun! However, before you can have fun in a lab, you have to be safe in a lab. Safety is
the number one priority of all people, at all times, when working in a lab environment.

INSTRUCTIONS
Watch this safety video (about 9 minutes long). You’ll have a chuckle watching it and learn
something in the process. You can click on the video below or access the video through this
link: https://youtu.be/VRWRmIEHr3A.

APPLICATION
While watching the video, answer the questions below in the space provided. Show all work
and answer in fullsentences where required.

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QUESTIONS

1) [4 marks] Make notes on the safety protocol about each of the following.

Safety item Safety protocol

Hair Should always be up and out of your face.

Footwear Never wear sandals, always have closed shoes.

Clothing Should cover your body as much as possible.

Food and drink Is not allowed in the Lab.

2) [1 mark] True or False: Glasses are a good substitute for safety googles in a lab.
False.

3) [2 marks] What does MSDS stand for? What does a MSDS tell you?

MSDS stands for Material Data Safety Sheet. It is used in the Lad to tell you what a
specific chemical will do to you or their surroundings.

4) [1 mark] What is a fume hood used for?

It sucks fumes out of the air around you so that you do not breath in anything that
isn’t good for you.

5) [1 mark] A fume hood contains a “sash”. What is a “sash”?

A “sash” is a protective window that blocks fumes from blowing into your face or
surroundings.

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6) [1 mark] Briefly describe the appropriate, safe way to smell something in a lab.

You should never stick your face in something to smell it, gently waft the scent
towards you.

7) [1 mark] What is the protocol for cleaning up broken glassware in a lab?

You should always use a broom and dust pan to clean up broken glass. Once
picked you it should be deposited into a sharps container.

8) [1 mark] True or False: Sinks in labs are designed specifically for you to dump anything, anytime
down the drain. There is no need to separate reagents. False.

9) [1 mark] Complete this tip from the video: “Always know the right way to dispose of something
_before______ you even start to use it”.

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Part 2 – Lab Equipment &Glassware[4 marks]

BACKGROUND
Just like a kitchen contains a variety of equipment to perform tasks (mixer, cutlery, pots and
pans etc.), labs contain a variety of equipment to perform experiments. Knowing the proper
names and function of lab equipment will help you work more efficiently and safely in a lab.

STEP 1: Learn It
Review these images of some common chemistry lab equipment and glassware. Two images
are provided so you get a more comprehensive idea of key lab equipment. While most items
have universal names, you may notice some items have two slightly different names.

Source: https://sites.google.com/a/hanovernorwichschools.org/hhs-science-skills-handbook/course-
standards/lab-equipment

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Source: http://mrforde.blogspot.com/2013/08/review-common-lab-equipment.html

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STEP 2: Practice It
To check your knowledge of common lab equipment, try this “quiz”.
https://www.purposegames.com/game/chemistry-lab-equipment-quiz

STEP 3: Apply It
Answer the question below in the space provided.

1) [0.5 each x 8 boxes = 4 marks] Name each piece of lab equipment shown below. Then,
perform an internet search to find how each piece of equipment is used in the lab. Summarize
each use in 1-2 sentences.

Image of lab equipment Name of lab equipment How the equipment is used in the lab

Erlenmeyer Flask It is used for pouring solutions.

It is used to measure the volume of a

Graduated Cylinder
liquid.

Beaker It is used for heating or stirring liquids.

It is an open gas flam used for heating,

Bunsen Burner
sterilization or for combustion.

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Part 3 – Recording Liquid Volumes [5 marks]

BACKGROUND
Students are often surprised at how much measurement and math occurs in a chemistry lab.
In future labs that you complete through Late Nite Labs, you will be required to record data
correctly. There are certain rules to follow when measuring and recording data in a lab.

STEP 1 – What is a meniscus?

When a liquid fills a vessel, a curvature called a meniscusforms.

Accurately recording the volume of this curvature can be tricky.

STEP 2 – Reading a meniscus

When reading a meniscus, it is important to view the liquid at eye

level as shown in the image. When recording the volume, you focus
on the bottom of the meniscus. Record the value where the bottom
of the meniscus falls.

STEP 3 – Apply it
Watch this video (~2 minutes long) to learn how to read a meniscus. As you watch the video,
answer the questions below. You can click on the video below or access the video through this
link: https://youtu.be/QCzaPy_XOqg

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QUESTIONS

1) [1 mark] True or False: It’s okay to read a meniscus from any viewpoint. You can look up at it,
or down at it.
False

2) [1 mark] What is the purpose of a buret card?

A buret card helps to show the meniscus more clearly.

3) [3 marks] Record the volume shown in each graduated cylinder. All volumes are in mL.[HINT:
Consider what volume each “tick” represents.]

Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3

24mL 6.6mL 39mL

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Part 4 – Electronic Balance [2 marks]

BACKGROUND
Electronic balances are convenient tools for measuring mass. There are a few steps to follow
to make sure you use an electronic balance and the chemicals themselves safely and
accurately.

INSTRUCTIONS
Watch this video (~1.5 minutes long) to learn how to correctly use an electronic balance. As
you watch the video, answer the questions below. You can click on the video below or access
the video through this link:https://youtu.be/0UymyTJATLc

QUESTIONS

1) [1 mark] After placing a weigh boat on the scale, you zero or tare the scale to set it to zero.
What is the purpose of performing this step?

This will ensure that you do not include the weight of the weigh boat in the total weight of your
chemical.

2) [1 mark] True or False: If you place too much of a chemical in a weigh boat, you can just scoop
it up and put it back in the container.
False.

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