1A3 Laboratory Procedures

Question 1

Why is it important to maintain laboratory equipment?

Answer 1

To ensure safety and increase consistency between experiments.

Proper maintenance helps in achieving reliable results in laboratory settings.

Question 2

What should you do to protect a microscope when it is not in use?

Answer 2

Cover the microscope to prevent it from getting dirty or damaged.

This is a simple yet effective measure for prolonging the life of the microscope.

Question 3

What materials should be used to clean a microscope?

Answer 3

Approved materials such as Kimwipes or optical wipes.

Using non-approved materials can scratch the lenses.

Question 4

How do you maintain thermometers?

Answer 4

• Store thermometers properly.
• Do not use as a stirring device.
• Keep away from open flames.
• Insert carefully to avoid breaking.
• Wash after each use.

Proper handling and storage can prevent damage and ensure accuracy.

Question 5

What should you avoid doing to a pH meter electrode?

Answer 5

Never wipe the electrode with anything; rinse it instead.

Wiping can create static that harms the equipment.

Question 6

What is a common mistake to avoid when storing a pH meter?

Answer 6

Storing the electrode in purified water, which can render the electrode useless.

Question 7

What is lab safety?

Answer 7

Protocols intended to minimize safety issues within a laboratory setting and deal with accidents.

Lab safety includes understanding safety rules and using safety equipment effectively.

Question 8

What is PPE?

Answer 8

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE includes gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards, such as gloves or lab goggles.

Question 9

List three examples of PPE.

Answer 9

• Lab coats
• Lab goggles
• Lab gloves

PPE is crucial for protecting against hazardous materials.

Question 10

What are emergency eye wash stations used for?

Answer 10

To flush irritants from the eyes in case of chemical exposure.

They consist of a small sink with two steady inverted streams of water.

Question 11

What is the required water flow rate for emergency showers according to OSHA?

Answer 11

At least 20 gallons per minute for at least 15 continuous minutes.

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that provides guidelines for laboratories. Emergency showers are critical for rinsing off hazardous materials from the skin.

Question 12

What type of safety equipment is essential for controlling small fires in the lab?

Answer 12

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible in case of emergencies.

Question 13

What should be included in a first aid kit in the lab?

Answer 13

• Bandages
• Gauze
• Sterile dressings
• Antiseptic wipes
• Gloves

First aid kits are essential for addressing minor injuries that occur in the lab.

Question 14

What is the function of ventilation hoods in laboratories?

Answer 14

To contain, capture, and remove airborne particles produced during chemical reactions.

Ventilation hoods help maintain a safe working environment by controlling airflow.

Question 15

Why is it important to know the locations of safety equipment in the lab?

Answer 15

To ensure quick access in case of an emergency.

Clear pathways to all safety stations are also crucial.

Question 16

What should be done with chemical containers when not in use?

Answer 16

Do not leave them open, and ensure they are stored and labeled properly.

Proper handling of chemicals is crucial for safety.

Question 17

Why is it important to label containers?

Answer 17

Clear labeling helps prevent accidental misuse of chemicals.

Question 18

What should be included in a lab safety manual?

Answer 18

• Lab safety rules
• Chemical inventory list
• Safety data sheets
• Emergency telephone numbers

Access to a safety manual ensures laboratory employees are informed about safety procedures.

Question 19

What is the role of the lab manager regarding safety equipment?

Answer 19

To inspect safety equipment regularly and ensure proper working order.

Annual professional recertification of safety equipment is also important.

Question 20

What is the most common way to measure length in the laboratory?

Answer 20

With a ruler or meter stick.

Rulers can be hand-held or long, such as meter sticks.

Question 21

How is mass measured in the laboratory?

Answer 21

Using a balance.

A balance provides mass readings in grams.

Question 22

What instrument is used to measure temperature?

Answer 22

Thermometer

Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

Question 23

What is a graduated cylinder used for?

Answer 23

Measuring the volume of liquids accurately.

Graduated cylinders are more accurate than beakers.

Question 24

What type of flask is commonly used to hold liquids in the biology lab?

Answer 24

Erlenmeyer flask

This flask has a narrow neck and is not used for mixing.

Question 25

What is the purpose of a **pipette** in the laboratory?

Answer 25

To **measure and transfer exact volumes** of liquid. ## Footnote There are volumetric and graduated pipettes.

Question 26

What is the function of a **Bunsen burner**?

Answer 26

To **produce a flame** for heating substances. ## Footnote It was developed by Robert Bunsen.

Question 27

What equipment is used for **heating glassware electrically**?

Answer 27

Hot plate ## Footnote Some hot plates have magnetic stirrers.

Question 28

What tools are commonly used for **dissection** in the laboratory?

Answer 28

* forceps * scalpels * dissecting scissors. ## Footnote Protective eyewear and gloves should also be used.

Question 29

How are **test tubes** used in biology labs?

Answer 29

To **hold liquids** for observation and reactions. ## Footnote Test tube holders are used to manage multiple test tubes.

Question 30

# Fill in the blank. The most accurate way to **measure liquid volume** in a laboratory is with a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 30

graduated cylinder ## Footnote For very small volumes of liquid, the most accurate way is to measure is to use a pipette.

Question 31

# True or False: Beakers are **more accurate** for measuring volume than graduated cylinders.

Answer 31

False ## Footnote Graduated cylinders provide more accurate measurements.

Question 32

List *three* types of equipment used for heating in a lab.

Answer 32

* Bunsen burner * Hot plate * Electric heater

Question 33

What are the two most common types of **pipettes**?

Answer 33

* Volumetric pipette * Graduated pipette

Question 34

What is the function of a **volumetric flask**?

Answer 34

Used for holding a precise volume of liquid and **mixing solutions**. ## Footnote The volumetric flask has a flat base, a bulbous bottom, and a marked elongated neck indicating the liquid's endpoint.

Question 35

What **equipment** is used for grinding solids?

Answer 35

* Mortar and pestle * Laboratory mills * Jaw crushers * Mortar grinders * Laboratory pressers ## Footnote Mortar and pestle are common tools, also used in kitchens.

Question 36

What is an **analytical balance** used for?

Answer 36

Measures the mass of a substance with great precision. ## Footnote It weighs samples in a closed chamber to prevent air currents from affecting measurements.

Question 37

List the steps required to measure something **using a balance**.

Answer 37

* Turn on the balance and reset it. * Place an empty measuring paper or weighing container on the balance. * Press 'tare' to zero out the mass. * Add the sample and record the mass. ## Footnote An alternative is to weigh the paper or container with the sample and subtract the mass of the paper, but this is less accurate.

Question 38

What is the purpose of a **burette** in a lab?

Answer 38

Used mainly in **titration** processes or dispensing a known volume of liquid. ## Footnote Burettes are extremely narrow and supported by a ring stand.

Question 39

What is a **Florence flask** used for?

Answer 39

**Heating and holding substances** during chemical reactions. ## Footnote Its bulbous shape facilitates even heating.

Question 40

What is the significance of **evaporating water** from solid samples?

Answer 40

Removes moisture to **prevent biochemical reactions** and ensure accurate mass results. ## Footnote This is crucial in quantitative experiments.

Question 41

# Fill in the blank. The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a bowl used to evaporate water content from samples.

Answer 41

Evaporating dish ## Footnote The shallow design increases surface area for faster evaporation.

Question 42

What types of **glassware** are commonly used in labs?

Answer 42

* Test tubes * Volumetric flask * Beaker * Erlenmeyer flask * Graduated cylinder * Florence flask * Pipette * Burette ## Footnote Each type serves specific functions in experiments.

Question 43

What is the difference between a **beaker** and an **Erlenmeyer flask**?

Answer 43

* Beakers are suitable for **holding and transporting** materials. * Erlenmeyer flasks can **mix solutions** manually. ## Footnote Beakers require a magnetic bar and stirrer for mixing.

Question 44

How do you **safely dilute** a concentrated acid?

Answer 44

Add **acid to water**, NOT water to acid. ## Footnote This safety practice prevents exothermic reactions and splashing minimizing the risk of burns.

Question 45

List *five* types of equipment used for **drying** solid samples.

Answer 45

1. Evaporating dish 1. Hot plate 1. Bunsen burner 1. Desiccator 1. Crucibles ## Footnote Each has specific applications for removing moisture or withstanding high temperatures.

Question 46

What is the purpose of **grinding** solid samples?

Answer 46

**Decreases particle size** and **increases surface area**, improving analytical processes. ## Footnote Grinding enhances the dissociation of solids, making processes such as dissolving faster.

Question 47

# Define: Calibration

Answer 47

* Configuring an instrument to provide **accurate** and **reliable** measurements. * Accuracy is achieved by **comparing** the instrument's output with a known **standard** or reference. ## Footnote Example: * Calibrating a balance involves using certified weights. * If the balance shows a different weight than expected, adjustments are made to ensure it reads accurately during future measurements.

Question 48

How should **glassware** be maintained?

Answer 48

* Clean immediately after use. * Always inspect for cracks. * Store properly to avoid contamination or breakage. ## Footnote Damaged glassware can compromise experiment safety and accuracy.

Question 49

How should you **respond** to a **fire** in the laboratory?

Answer 49

* Alert others. * Use the appropriate fire extinguisher. * Evacuate if the fire cannot be controlled. ## Footnote Fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire, such as chemical or electrical.