Experiments in General Chemistry

When studying beginning chemistry, students are introduced to many theoretical concepts based on conclusions drawn from years of accumulated observations. It is difficult for many of them to appreciate the importance of experimental observation and its relation to theory, especially when they have had limited practical experience. Accordingly, this laboratory manual is designed to provide the beginning chemistry student exposure to the basic techniques of laboratory work and the practical experience necessary to understand and appreciate better the general information presented in the text and lectures. The experiments in this manual have been selected with a fourfold purpose: To introduce the student to the fundamentals of physical observation and to the scientific method. To acquaint the student with several basic quantitative techniques, including gravimetric and volumetric measurement, the care and use of laboratory equipment, and the safe use and handling of chemicals. To provide empirical verification--that is, information based on observation or experience-of chemical theory in a qualitative and quantitative fashion. To do the above in close coordination with the ideas and mathematical concepts presented in the eighth edition ofGeneral Chemistryby Ralph H. Petrucci and William S. Harwood. Designed to complement the Petrucci/Harwood text, this laboratory manual provides a unified experience in chemistry at the introductory level, both for chemistry majors and for students in closely allied fields. Each experiment includes an introduction, experimental and waste disposal procedures, report tables for data and results, questions, a prelaboratory assignment, and space for sample calculations. There are three types of student disposal instructions: Recycle or reuse:Wastes are collected in labeled bottles for either direct reuse or for further treatment prior to reuse. Laboratory treatment and disposal:Students will neutralize acids and bases, reduce chemical activity, or filter wastes prior to disposal in a safe and appropriate manner. Disposal:Wastes are collected in labeled glass disposal bottles, which should be segregated according to chemical compatibility. These will be stored for further treatment or volume reduction by laboratory personnel prior to or for direct disposal by a licensed waste disposal company. The introduction contains enough of the related principles and learning objectives of the exercise to allow the student to complete the prefab assignment, answer the questions, and carry out the laboratory work. However, time should be allowed beforehand for the laboratory instructor to discuss and demonstrate specific techniques, safety precautions, common problems, and other aspects of that experiment. Completion of the prelaboratory assignment requires that the student read the experiment and become familiar with the procedure before coming to the laboratory to do the experiment. In this way, students learn to prepare themselves properly for the experiment, make fewer mistakes, and become more efficient in utilization of available time. We believe this to be an essential part of the complete experiment. Emphasis is placed on experimental precision and on obtaining accurate results. Many experiments involve the determination of some "unknown" quantity. This necessitates good technique and reproducible work. Thus a knowledge of precision and accuracy, which are discussed in the Introduction, is essential. Such knowledge is then used in the laboratory report that accompanies each experiment. The laboratory report often consists simply of the completion of the data tables, sample calculations, and answers to the questions that come with the experiment. The writing of a laboratory report is described in detail in the Introduction. It should be emphasized that laboratorGreco, Thomas G. is the author of 'Experiments in General Chemistry', published 2001 under ISBN 9780130176882 and ISBN 0130176885.