The Lab

Question 1

What is a laboratory?

Answer 1

The laboratory is where scientists carry out experiments and make observations and measurements. The type of laboratory used by different scientists depends on what they are studying. It can be indoors (Eg chemistry labs) or outdoors (Eg rainforests) depending on what they are studying

Question 2

What are examples of GLASSWARE in a lab?

Answer 2

Beakers, conical flasks, test-tubes and watch-glasses allows you to mix and heat chemicals.

Question 3

What are examples of BALANCES in a lab?

Answer 3

Beam balances, electronic balances and spring balances

Question 4

What do balances measure?

Answer 4

Mass of an object. Mass is a measure (in grams) of how much matter there is in an object.

Question 5

What are examples of HEATING EQUIPMENT in a lab?

Answer 5

Hotplates and Bunsen burners

Question 6

Name the 5 parts of the bunsen burner

Answer 6

COLLAR - controls the amount of air that enters the burner and the heat and colour of the flame.
AIRHOLE - If you open the airhole, then a lot of air will enter.
BARREL-
GAS HOSE
BASE

Question 7

What is the yellow flame of a bunsen burner known as?

Answer 7

The safety flame.It is also a dirty flame, because it leaves a layer of black carbon soot.

Question 8

What is a meniscus?

Answer 8

A meniscus is the curved shape formed by the surface of a liquid where it contacts another surface.Sometimes the meniscus curves upwards and sometimes it curves downwards. It makes measurement of liquids difficult.

Question 9

Safety tips whilst heating a test tube to avoid spills, burns and breakages

Answer 9

1. Use a peg or test-tube holder to hold the test-tube near its open end.
2. Point the opening of the test-tube away from everyone, including yourself.
3. Heat the bottom gently, moving it back and forth through the flame not just on one spot

Question 10

What is a Clay triangle used for?

Answer 10

Clay triangle: used to support a crucible

Question 11

What is a Crucible and lid used for?

Answer 11

Used to burn small samples of solid

Question 12

What is a Gauze mat used for?

Answer 12

Used to spread the heat

Question 13

What is a Bench mat used for?

Answer 13

Used to protect the bench

Question 14

What are Tongs and pegs used for?

Answer 14

Allow you to pick up hot objects

Question 15

What are Retort stand, bosshead and clamps used for?

Answer 15

Used to hold other equipment

Question 16

What is a Tripod used for?

Answer 16

Used to hold beakers above the flame

Question 17

What is a Evaporating dish used for?

Answer 17

Used to evaporate off the solvent from a solution, leaving crystals behind

Question 18

Name the Safety Rules you should follow in a lab

Answer 18

• Always follow instructions from your teacher or laboratory technician.
• Move about the lab in a safe way. Do not run, push or shove.
• Always wear safety glasses when using chemicals.
• Do not eat, taste, drink or sniff anything in the lab.
• Treat all glassware with care.
• Make sure that test-tubes cannot roll off a bench when not in use.
• Always tell your teacher if you break something or if you are unsure about what to do.
• Turn on the tap before placing any glassware under it. Otherwise the water might crack the glass of whatever you are holding.

Question 19

Name the Safety Rules you should follow in a lab

Answer 19

• Always follow instructions from your teacher or laboratory technician.
• Move about the lab in a safe way. Do not run, push or shove.
• Always wear safety glasses when using chemicals.
• Do not eat, taste, drink or sniff anything in the lab.
• Treat all glassware with care.
• Make sure that test-tubes cannot roll off a bench when not in use.
• Always tell your teacher if you break something or if you are unsure about what to do.
• Turn on the tap before placing any glassware under it. Otherwise the water might crack the glass of whatever you are holding.

Question 20

Name the Safety Rules you should follow in a lab when heating materials

Answer 20

• Always tie back long hair; otherwise it’s a fire risk.
• When you need to leave a Bunsen burner on, turn it to a visible yellow safety flame.
• Only use matches to light Bunsen burners.
• Always use tongs to pick up objects that have been heated.
• When you are heating a test-tube, ensure that it is pointed away from everyone (including you).
• Hotplates and Bunsen burners, tripods and gauze mats remain hot for a long time. Allow them to cool before you pack them away.

Question 21

Name an essential piece of equipment for: a microbiologist

Answer 21

Microscope to look at micro organisms from the ocean

Question 22

Name an essential piece of equipment for an astronomer

Answer 22

Telescope to study the stars an planets in the sky

Question 23

Specify the temperature that a Bunsen burner flame can reach

Answer 23

1500 degrees Celsius

Question 24

Name the two experts you can turn to in the laboratory.

Answer 24

Science Teacher & Lab Technician

Question 25

Identify whether the following observations would be made of a yellow Bunsen burner flame or a blue Bunsen burner flame
a	dirty 
b	noisy 
c	almost invisible 
d	extremely hot 
e	closed airhole.

Answer 25

The yellow flame is called the safety flame. It is: • relatively cool • dirty • highly visible.

The blue flame is: • hot • clean • difficult to see.

Question 26

Name the piece of equipment used to measure volumes accurately.

Answer 26

Measuring Cylinder

Question 27

If a meniscus curves upwards where do you measure the volume

Answer 27

Measure from the top of the meniscus if it curves upwards.

Question 28

If a meniscus curves downwards where do you measure the volume

Answer 28

Measure from the bottum of the meniscus if it curves upwards.

Question 29

If a meniscus curves downwards where do you measure the volume

Answer 29

Measure from the bottom of the meniscus if it curves upwards.