Overview
This topic reviews essential laboratory techniques and principles used in experimental chemistry. Students will gain familiarity with measurement tools, safety procedures, data interpretation, and common techniques such as filtration, titration, and chromatography. These are foundational for understanding practical chemistry and appear regularly in CLEP exams.
Key Concepts and Structures
- Significant Figures: Digits in a measurement that convey precision. Rules govern how many digits to keep in calculations.
- Precision vs. Accuracy: Precision = consistency; accuracy = closeness to true value.
- Common Lab Equipment: Beakers, graduated cylinders, burettes, pipettes, balances, crucibles, watch glasses, and fume hoods.
- Filtration: Separates solids from liquids using filter paper and funnel.
- Distillation: Separates liquids based on boiling point differences.
- Titration: Technique to determine concentration by neutralization. Use indicators like phenolphthalein to find the endpoint.
- Chromatography: Separates mixtures based on solubility and interaction with stationary/mobile phases.
- Centrifugation: Separates components by density using rapid spinning.
- Calorimetry: Measures heat changes in chemical reactions. Uses insulated containers.
- Standardization: Process of determining the exact concentration of a solution (often in titrations).
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet—lists chemical hazards, handling, and first aid information.
- Lab Safety: Always wear goggles, tie back hair, label chemicals, and know emergency exits and procedures.
Quick Tip
Be familiar with the purpose and usage of each lab technique, and know when to apply them. On the CLEP, safety procedures and basic data interpretation (e.g., identifying titration endpoints) are commonly tested.