How to Make the Most Out of Chemistry Lab and Excel in Homework

Chemistry is a fun subject, and the most intriguing element is reactions. The lab is the only place you see the chemistry come to life. However, it is an equally dangerous place that can give you lifelong traumas. This article covers all the tips to make your next visit to the lab fun and exciting while ensuring safety. Ensure that you take proper notes while performing experiments, as you might have to write about them in your assignment. If you need help, you can look for experts who provide chemistry homework help. If you find this article helpful, then do not forget to bookmark it for future reference.

The Correct Way to Make the Most Out of Lab Sessions

Read more to find the best tips for making the most of your chemistry lab visits. However, do not forget to ensure your and others' safety on the battlefield of chemistry.

Get to Know the Experiment

You must have a good grasp of chemistry and its reactions before visiting the lab. Study beforehand about what experiment you will perform and its reaction equation. Moreover, try to understand why the given elements react and why the transfer of electrons happens from which atom to where. It will help you gain knowledge of electro-negativity and how outer shells get fulfilled of electrons. An interesting question to answer would be, "What makes the reaction stop, and why doesn't it keep going?"

Take Some Guidance

Never work alone if you are new to the lab. Always seek guidance from an experienced person and understand the emergency protocols and contingency plans. This way, you can avoid any harm, and only after this begin your work in the lab. Always listen to the safety briefing carefully and ask questions from your teacher. Do not perform any task if you do not know anything about it.   

Ensure Good Hygiene

You must ensure to keep the utensils clean and rinse them thoroughly with water before leaving. Follow any other rules that the lab has to maintain good hygiene. It is essential to avoid any accidents with leftover chemicals in the dishes and utensils. Otherwise, it can cause uncontrollable reactions and even cause fire, as you do not know which chemical traces are left inside. Moreover, hygiene ensures the possibility of risks is low and creates a safe working environment for others.

Learn About Equipment

You must learn to operate the equipment you are about to work with. Know everything about how it is triggered or opened and how to operate its safety features. This way, you will keep the chances of accidents very low and ensure a safe working place. Moreover, it will reduce any errors caused you during the experiment. Thus, you won't have to repeat it, and this will increase your overall productivity.

Write Everything Down

Make it a point to document everything regarding the experiments you are performing in the lab. Write observations with every detail and outcome of the whole experiment. Mention any deviation (if any) in the quantity of the chemicals and reagents.  This way, if you forget anything, then go through your notes and refresh your knowledge. Moreover, make all the diagrams applicable in the experiment with a pencil on the blank page. Mention all the data in a tabular form with a neat and clean representation. There is a history behind why everything is documented. Moreover, it can be seperate area of interest for histroy students. If you need help with such documents, then reach to experts who provide history homework help.

Learn How to Stir

If you need to stir particular chemicals, then learn the correct way to do so. Take the stirring rod (clean and free from any chemicals), turn it slowly in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, and ensure nothing splashes over. Additionally, keep the jar away from you and its mouth pointing opposite to your body. This way, you will be safe while experimenting and ensure no harm is caused. Moreover, you can even stir by twisting the flask if it's small enough.

Wear Proper PPE

Take this step very seriously because PPE (Personal protective equipment) is the only thing that can save your life. Whether it is an accidental splash or a sudden fire, it will protect your eyes, nose and body, ensuring you walk out of the lab with no harm. Wear proper full-sleeve lab coats made of pure cotton, with a mask and eyeglasses. If your teacher asks you to wear any additional piece of equipment for safety, then do that. At the end of the day, you are there to learn and not get harmed.  

Use Correct Equipment

Ensure to use the correct equipment based on its size and material. Do not use overly big or small flasks for mixing chemicals, plastic tubes and other dangerous equipment. Ask your teacher for the correct type of utensils based on the creation and use them. Experts recommend using glassware only, as it can handle heat without melting, and it is chemically neutral. However, there is an issue of shattering and should be avoided in exothermic reactions.

Handle Hot Things with Care

The glass looks the same whether it's hot or cold until it's extremely hot (then it turns red). So, be sure to check the temperature before handling equipment. If the surface is hot, then wear gloves to hold the utensils. Many people learn this the hard way by getting burns. However, you should strive not to fall into the same trap, and be an example for others can learn from you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article guided you through some essential tips for making the most of your chemistry lab visits. It is like the ultimate battlefield to test your knowledge and put your facts to the test. Additionally, note everything down, as you might be required to write about your experiments in your blank notebook. If you get stuck, then look for some experts who provide chemistry homework help. Apart from that, if you found this article helpful then do not forget to bookmark it. Also, share it with your friends to make them aware of these tips.