Standard solution
Key skills
− Shaking the volumetric flask thoroughly, making certain that the sodium carbonate is
properly dissolved, so the solution is not cloudy
− Pour de-ionized water into the flask until the bottom of the water sits on the meniscus.
− Using the top pan balance and ensuring that accurate measurements of the mass of
whatever I weigh is recorded.
− Using a filter funnel to transfer the solution into the volume
Health and safety
During the experiment a lot of glassware was used, this meant the risk of injuries by shattered
glass was probable. This also meant that all possible risks must be assessed and so we did. I
ensured that all glassware was appropriately placed in the centre of table to avoid knock overs.
However, we did have an instance where glass did in fact fall and shatter, but it was handled
appropriately. To avoid damage being done I carefully stepped back and introduced my teacher
to the incident, avoiding contact to the broken glass and therefore avoiding damage. In
addition, the use of sodium carbonate could also be interpreted as a risk as it can lead to
toxicity in humans. Even though the likely hood of severe damage was low I made sure that the
risk was controlled. To control the risk, I made sure to not touch the substance and be
incredibly careful when pouring it. In addition to avoid the gases released from the substances
to flow around I made sure that the lid was securely closed.
Responsibility and correction
At one point during the experiment, I accidentally overpoured the amount of HCL that we
needed. I immediately identified my error and informed my partner by taking responsibility for
it and initiating that the process needs to be redone. However, in the second instance when I
reperformed the procedure, my partner complimented my precision in contrast with my trial.
Personal encounters with the key skills
During my participation I had the opportunity to strategically shake the volumetric flask to
increase the rate of diffusion in the liquid. It is important to shake the volumetric flask so every
bit of the solute mixes with the solvent to form a solution. While I was performing this my
partner suggested that I simultaneously shake the volumetric flask while pouring the liquid
from the burette. This was much more effective than what I was doing as I held the volumetric
flask still every so often. If the volumetric flask was spun continuously the possibility that excess
substance is poured is reduced. This meant that before the feedback was suggested to me by
my peers, the result of the repeats I have done were inaccurate. I therefore took responsibility,
included more repeats, and ignored the false results. In addition, During the experiment I
struggled measuring the exact measurement very much of the pipette, measuring the pipette
, was very important as if not the results at the end of the experiment would be incorrect.
Therefore, while I struggled during the process, I couldn’t afford an error in the results so
therefore, before doing my initial trial I made sure that the pipette was placed lower, and I
decided to take my time while absorbing/ releasing excess liquid in the equipment this was
done in order to optimize my accuracy using a pipette and therefore meant that results would
be optimum.
Titration
Key skills
− To be able to use a glass pipette to measure accurate solutions.
− To be able to plot the evidence onto a graph so the equivalence point could be easily
identified. Being able to calibrate the pH meter using 2 different buffer solutions.
− Being able to safely use the pH meter by cleaning it dries using paper towels after use
and recording the pH of the buffer solution.
− Calibrating glassware in order to increase efficacy
Health and safety
During the experiment a lot of glassware was used this meant the risk of injuries by shattered
glass was probable. This also meant that all possible risks must be assessed and so we did. I
ensured that all glassware was appropriately placed in the center of table to avoid knock overs.
However, we did have an instance where glass did in fact fall and shatter, but it was handled
appropriately. In order to avoid damage being done I carefully stepped back and introduced my
teacher to the incident avoiding contact to the broken glass and therefore avoiding damage.
During the experiment myself and my pairs tended to use liquids as a result to the method
utilized. Using liquids can be a serious risk in a lab as it can cause someone to trip and hurt
themselves. In order to control the risk, I made sure that all liquids were handled with care. In
addition, the use of HCL is also a risk as its corrosive. To avoid the hazard of burns I made sure
that I handled the chemical with care and dint touch it bare handed. I also made sure I was
wearing googles to avoid contact of the chemicals in the eyes.
Responsibility and correction
Key skills
− Shaking the volumetric flask thoroughly, making certain that the sodium carbonate is
properly dissolved, so the solution is not cloudy
− Pour de-ionized water into the flask until the bottom of the water sits on the meniscus.
− Using the top pan balance and ensuring that accurate measurements of the mass of
whatever I weigh is recorded.
− Using a filter funnel to transfer the solution into the volume
Health and safety
During the experiment a lot of glassware was used, this meant the risk of injuries by shattered
glass was probable. This also meant that all possible risks must be assessed and so we did. I
ensured that all glassware was appropriately placed in the centre of table to avoid knock overs.
However, we did have an instance where glass did in fact fall and shatter, but it was handled
appropriately. To avoid damage being done I carefully stepped back and introduced my teacher
to the incident, avoiding contact to the broken glass and therefore avoiding damage. In
addition, the use of sodium carbonate could also be interpreted as a risk as it can lead to
toxicity in humans. Even though the likely hood of severe damage was low I made sure that the
risk was controlled. To control the risk, I made sure to not touch the substance and be
incredibly careful when pouring it. In addition to avoid the gases released from the substances
to flow around I made sure that the lid was securely closed.
Responsibility and correction
At one point during the experiment, I accidentally overpoured the amount of HCL that we
needed. I immediately identified my error and informed my partner by taking responsibility for
it and initiating that the process needs to be redone. However, in the second instance when I
reperformed the procedure, my partner complimented my precision in contrast with my trial.
Personal encounters with the key skills
During my participation I had the opportunity to strategically shake the volumetric flask to
increase the rate of diffusion in the liquid. It is important to shake the volumetric flask so every
bit of the solute mixes with the solvent to form a solution. While I was performing this my
partner suggested that I simultaneously shake the volumetric flask while pouring the liquid
from the burette. This was much more effective than what I was doing as I held the volumetric
flask still every so often. If the volumetric flask was spun continuously the possibility that excess
substance is poured is reduced. This meant that before the feedback was suggested to me by
my peers, the result of the repeats I have done were inaccurate. I therefore took responsibility,
included more repeats, and ignored the false results. In addition, During the experiment I
struggled measuring the exact measurement very much of the pipette, measuring the pipette
, was very important as if not the results at the end of the experiment would be incorrect.
Therefore, while I struggled during the process, I couldn’t afford an error in the results so
therefore, before doing my initial trial I made sure that the pipette was placed lower, and I
decided to take my time while absorbing/ releasing excess liquid in the equipment this was
done in order to optimize my accuracy using a pipette and therefore meant that results would
be optimum.
Titration
Key skills
− To be able to use a glass pipette to measure accurate solutions.
− To be able to plot the evidence onto a graph so the equivalence point could be easily
identified. Being able to calibrate the pH meter using 2 different buffer solutions.
− Being able to safely use the pH meter by cleaning it dries using paper towels after use
and recording the pH of the buffer solution.
− Calibrating glassware in order to increase efficacy
Health and safety
During the experiment a lot of glassware was used this meant the risk of injuries by shattered
glass was probable. This also meant that all possible risks must be assessed and so we did. I
ensured that all glassware was appropriately placed in the center of table to avoid knock overs.
However, we did have an instance where glass did in fact fall and shatter, but it was handled
appropriately. In order to avoid damage being done I carefully stepped back and introduced my
teacher to the incident avoiding contact to the broken glass and therefore avoiding damage.
During the experiment myself and my pairs tended to use liquids as a result to the method
utilized. Using liquids can be a serious risk in a lab as it can cause someone to trip and hurt
themselves. In order to control the risk, I made sure that all liquids were handled with care. In
addition, the use of HCL is also a risk as its corrosive. To avoid the hazard of burns I made sure
that I handled the chemical with care and dint touch it bare handed. I also made sure I was
wearing googles to avoid contact of the chemicals in the eyes.
Responsibility and correction
