Practical techniques

• What is the focus of the Practical Skills section?

  It covers practical skills for your course
• How many core practicals must you complete?

  Eight core practicals
• What indicates a practical in the book?

  A practical stamp highlights it
• What are the steps to weigh a solid accurately?

  1. Place the container on the balance
  2. Set the balance to zero
  3. Weigh the substance and ensure all is transferred
• How can you ensure all solid is transferred to the reaction vessel?

  Use solvent to dissolve remaining solid
• What should you do if weighing a solid for a reaction?

  Weigh the reaction vessel before adding solid
• What are the methods to measure liquid volumes?

  1. Pipettes
  2. Burettes
  3. Measuring cylinders
  4. Dropping pipettes
• How should you read the volume of a liquid?

  From the bottom of the meniscus at eye level
• What is the purpose of a pipette filler?

  To safely suck up liquid into the pipette
• How do burettes measure liquid?

  From top to bottom with a tap at the bottom
• What should you do before using a gas syringe?

  Ensure it is sealed and plunger moves smoothly
• At what conditions should gases be measured?

  At room temperature and pressure
• What are the steps to measure temperature accurately?

  1. Submerge the bulb of the thermometer
  2. Wait for the temperature to stabilize
  3. Read the measurement at eye level
• What tool should you use to time experiments?

  A stopwatch
• How accurate are stopwatches in timing?

  They measure to the nearest 0.1 seconds
• When should you start timing an experiment?

  When reactants are mixed
• What should you do if measuring time for a precipitate to form?

  Watch closely to stop timing when cloudy
• What methods can be used to measure pH?

  1. Indicators
  2. Universal indicator
  3. Indicator paper
  4. pH probes with meters
• What do indicators do in pH measurement?

  Change color based on acidity or alkalinity
• What is universal indicator used for?

  Estimating pH based on color change
• How can you test pH with indicator paper?

  Spot solution onto paper and compare color
• What color does litmus paper turn in acidic conditions?

  Red
• What color does litmus paper turn in basic conditions?

  Blue
• What do pH probes provide?

  A numerical value for the pH
• What safety precautions should be taken in chemistry experiments?

  • Read safety precautions before starting
  • Wear lab coat, goggles, and gloves
  • Ensure good ventilation
  • Use fume hoods for harmful gases
• What should you wear during experiments?

  Lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves
• Why is it important to check if chemicals are flammable?

  To avoid accidents when using Bunsen burners
• What should you do when mixing concentrated liquids?

  Add concentrated substance to water
• Why is accuracy important in experiments?

  • Ensures reproducibility of results
  • Builds trust among scientists
  • Validates experimental findings