1A3 Laboratory Procedures Flashcards
Explain how safe and effective scientific investigations require proper handling of materials, maintenance of equipment, and adherence to safety protocols.
Why is it important to maintain laboratory equipment?
To ensure safety and increase consistency between experiments.
Proper maintenance helps in achieving reliable results in laboratory settings.
What should you do to protect a microscope when it is not in use?
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.
What materials should be used to clean a microscope?
Approved materials such as Kimwipes or optical wipes.
Using non-approved materials can scratch the lenses.
How do you maintain thermometers?
- 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.
What should you avoid doing to a pH meter electrode?
Never wipe the electrode with anything; rinse it instead.
Wiping can create static that harms the equipment.
What is a common mistake to avoid when storing a pH meter?
Storing the electrode in purified water, which can render the electrode useless.
What is lab safety?
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.
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE includes gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards, such as gloves or lab goggles.
List three examples of PPE.
- Lab coats
- Lab goggles
- Lab gloves
PPE is crucial for protecting against hazardous materials.
What are emergency eye wash stations used for?
To flush irritants from the eyes in case of chemical exposure.
They consist of a small sink with two steady inverted streams of water.
What is the required water flow rate for emergency showers according to OSHA?
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.
What type of safety equipment is essential for controlling small fires in the lab?
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible in case of emergencies.
What should be included in a first aid kit in the lab?
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Sterile dressings
- Antiseptic wipes
- Gloves
First aid kits are essential for addressing minor injuries that occur in the lab.
What is the function of ventilation hoods in laboratories?
To contain, capture, and remove airborne particles produced during chemical reactions.
Ventilation hoods help maintain a safe working environment by controlling airflow.
Why is it important to know the locations of safety equipment in the lab?
To ensure quick access in case of an emergency.
Clear pathways to all safety stations are also crucial.
What should be done with chemical containers when not in use?
Do not leave them open, and ensure they are stored and labeled properly.
Proper handling of chemicals is crucial for safety.
Why is it important to label containers?
Clear labeling helps prevent accidental misuse of chemicals.
What should be included in a lab safety manual?
- 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.
What is the role of the lab manager regarding safety equipment?
To inspect safety equipment regularly and ensure proper working order.
Annual professional recertification of safety equipment is also important.
What is the most common way to measure length in the laboratory?
With a ruler or meter stick.
Rulers can be hand-held or long, such as meter sticks.
How is mass measured in the laboratory?
Using a balance.
A balance provides mass readings in grams.
What instrument is used to measure temperature?
Thermometer
Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
What is a graduated cylinder used for?
Measuring the volume of liquids accurately.
Graduated cylinders are more accurate than beakers.
What type of flask is commonly used to hold liquids in the biology lab?
Erlenmeyer flask
This flask has a narrow neck and is not used for mixing.
What is the purpose of a pipette in the laboratory?
To measure and transfer exact volumes of liquid.
There are volumetric and graduated pipettes.
What is the function of a Bunsen burner?
To produce a flame for heating substances.
It was developed by Robert Bunsen.
What equipment is used for heating glassware electrically?
Hot plate
Some hot plates have magnetic stirrers.
What tools are commonly used for dissection in the laboratory?
- forceps
- scalpels
- dissecting scissors.
Protective eyewear and gloves should also be used.
How are test tubes used in biology labs?
To hold liquids for observation and reactions.
Test tube holders are used to manage multiple test tubes.
Fill in the blank.
The most accurate way to measure liquid volume in a laboratory is with a _______ ______.
graduated cylinder
For very small volumes of liquid, the most accurate way is to measure is to use a pipette.
True or False:
Beakers are more accurate for measuring volume than graduated cylinders.
False
Graduated cylinders provide more accurate measurements.
List three types of equipment used for heating in a lab.
- Bunsen burner
- Hot plate
- Electric heater
What are the two most common types of pipettes?
- Volumetric pipette
- Graduated pipette
What is the function of a volumetric flask?
Used for holding a precise volume of liquid and mixing solutions.
The volumetric flask has a flat base, a bulbous bottom, and a marked elongated neck indicating the liquid’s endpoint.
What equipment is used for grinding solids?
- Mortar and pestle
- Laboratory mills
- Jaw crushers
- Mortar grinders
- Laboratory pressers
Mortar and pestle are common tools, also used in kitchens.
What is an analytical balance used for?
Measures the mass of a substance with great precision.
It weighs samples in a closed chamber to prevent air currents from affecting measurements.
List the steps required to measure something using a balance.
- 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.
An alternative is to weigh the paper or container with the sample and subtract the mass of the paper, but this is less accurate.
What is the purpose of a burette in a lab?
Used mainly in titration processes or dispensing a known volume of liquid.
Burettes are extremely narrow and supported by a ring stand.
What is a Florence flask used for?
Heating and holding substances during chemical reactions.
Its bulbous shape facilitates even heating.
What is the significance of evaporating water from solid samples?
Removes moisture to prevent biochemical reactions and ensure accurate mass results.
This is crucial in quantitative experiments.
Fill in the blank.
The ________ is a bowl used to evaporate water content from samples.
Evaporating dish
The shallow design increases surface area for faster evaporation.
What types of glassware are commonly used in labs?
- Test tubes
- Volumetric flask
- Beaker
- Erlenmeyer flask
- Graduated cylinder
- Florence flask
- Pipette
- Burette
Each type serves specific functions in experiments.
What is the difference between a beaker and an Erlenmeyer flask?
- Beakers are suitable for holding and transporting materials.
- Erlenmeyer flasks can mix solutions manually.
Beakers require a magnetic bar and stirrer for mixing.
How do you safely dilute a concentrated acid?
Add acid to water, NOT water to acid.
This safety practice prevents exothermic reactions and splashing minimizing the risk of burns.
List five types of equipment used for drying solid samples.
- Evaporating dish
- Hot plate
- Bunsen burner
- Desiccator
- Crucibles
Each has specific applications for removing moisture or withstanding high temperatures.
What is the purpose of grinding solid samples?
Decreases particle size and increases surface area, improving analytical processes.
Grinding enhances the dissociation of solids, making processes such as dissolving faster.
Define:
Calibration
- Configuring an instrument to provide accurate and reliable measurements.
- Accuracy is achieved by comparing the instrument’s output with a known standard or reference.
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.
How should glassware be maintained?
- Clean immediately after use.
- Always inspect for cracks.
- Store properly to avoid contamination or breakage.
Damaged glassware can compromise experiment safety and accuracy.
How should you respond to a fire in the laboratory?
- Alert others.
- Use the appropriate fire extinguisher.
- Evacuate if the fire cannot be controlled.
Fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire, such as chemical or electrical.
