General Chemistry Laboratory 1
This laboratory course is related to the lecture course CHEM 120 but is a separate course and is graded independently. Experiments are designed to help students gain experience working in a laboratory and to become familiar with laboratory equipment and techniques. Content will support and enhance the concepts presented in CHEM 120, as well as provide opportunities to develop skills in data recording, analysis and experimental design at an introductory level.
The following laboratory experiments are scheduled for the term:
1. Reactions of copper
A series of copper compounds are produced and isolated from metallic copper. Percent yield is assessed. The experiment also introduces students to the first-year laboratory, its equipment and basic techniques.
2. Titration as an analysis tool: Identification of an unknown acid
Using a standardized solution of NaOH, the student will identify an unknown acid by determination of molar mass. This experiment introduces quantitative techniques, the stoichiometry of reactions in solution and demonstrates titrimetric analysis and techniques.
3. Introduction to chromatography: Quantification of copper in solution
This experiment introduces the students to the basics of chromatography, using ion-exchange chromatography. The 5 basic components of chromatographic systems are reviewed. A solution of Cu2+ ions is analyzed in several real-life scenarios, to determine the concentration of Cu2+ in the sample. Students make recommendations to their “customer” based on the analysis results.
4. Organic Synthesis: Synthesis of Acetaminophen
This experiment introduces basic techniques in organic synthesis as well as the general steps involved in synthesizing, isolating and purifying organic compounds. The common analgesic acetaminophen is synthesized and purified. Product(s) are assessed to evaluate both yield and relative purity. Melting point determination is introduced as a method of analysis for solids.
5. Emission spectra and the use of spectroscopy
The objective of this experiment is to determine the wavelengths of the visible lines in the atomic hydrogen spectrum using a simple spectroscope and to evaluate the Rydberg constant. Using the values obtained for the hydrogen emission spectrum, students create a calibration graph which allows them to identify unknown metal cations and gas samples using their emission spectra.
Please remember that the Undergraduate Calendar is always the official source for all course descriptions.