Introductory Chemistry, Laboratory Manual - 3rd edition

The Prentice Hall Laboratory Manual for Introductory Chemistry, 3/e, continues to evolve as pedagogical, environmental, and safety considerations advance. In this edition, particular attention has been paid to the environmental issue. This version does not contain any procedures that involve lead, mercury, chromium, chloroform, or carbon tetrachloride. Moreover, the experiments utilize 13 x 100 mm test tubes, rather than 16 x 150 mm test tubes, to further reduce chemical waste. No special equipment is required, and the experiments are not microscale.

The successful format found in the author's previous laboratory manuals has been retained, and the highly effective pre-laboratory and post-laboratory assignments have been updated. The format for each experiment includes

• A set of Objectives to help students focus on the laboratory activities.
• A Discussion of the experiment, including example exercises to help students with calculations, and/or chemical equations.
• A list of Equipment and Chemicals to organize the necessary materials.
• A stepwise Procedure to guide student activities in a systematic fashion.
• A Pre-laboratory Assignment to prepare students before coming to laboratory, and to alert them to any safety precautions.
• A Data Table to record observations and measurements.
• A Post-laboratory Assignment to reinforce the laboratory experience.

In addition, instructions for basic lab techniques are found in the appendices for the use of a laboratory burner, platform balance, beam balance, electronic balance, and a volumetric pipet. The appendices include a Glossary, and Answers to the Pre-laboratory Assignments to ensure that students are prepared before coming to the laboratory.

Laboratory Safety

Every effort has been made to ensure the safety of students in lab. Procedures that involve even minimal danger have been avoided. General Safety Precautions are listed in the front of this manual, and Experiment 1 has a safety quiz in the post-laboratory assignment. Students are alerted throughout to procedures and chemicals that should be performed carefully, and the pre-laboratory assignments have questions regarding safety, which are noted in Appendix J.

Time Frames

Each experiment is designed to provide three hours of lab work, assuming ideal conditions. Since each laboratory differs--for example, the number of balances available--the time required will vary. In order to provide flexibility and reduce the time required to perform an experiment, the instructor has the option of eliminating a procedure or reducing the number of experimental trials.

Instructor's Manual and Quiz Item File

A complimentary Annotated Instructor's Manual is provided with each classroom adoption of the laboratory manual. The Instructor's Manual contains the following for each experiment: suggested unknowns, sample data tables, solutions to post-laboratory assignments, and a Quiz Item File containing over 500 class-tested questions.

The Instructor's Manual also contains a Master List of all inorganic and organic chemicals required for each experiment, along with directions for the preparation of aqueous solutions. A list of addresses and phone numbers of suppliers of chemicals and equipment is provided to assist stockroom personnel.

Acknowledgments

This current set of experiments reflects the many suggestions of instructors and students who have taken time to pass along their comments. In addition, I am privileged to have access to the collective experience and acumen of my colleagues: Norm Allen, Kristin Casale, James Cress, James Fisher, Darren Gottke, Ronald Grider, Tamilyn Hong, Greg Jorgensen, Afarin Moezzi, John Newey, Luther Nolen, Karen Pesis, Nancy Reitz, Deboleena Roy, Rina Roy, Stephen Ruis, and Linda Zarzana.

I would like to thank the ESM team at Prentice Hall for elevating this latest version of the lab manual to a new level. Kristen Kaiser, chemistry project manager, seamlessly coordinated the third edition, while maintaining a tight production schedule. Fay Ahuja, copy editor, smoothed and clarified instructions, while improving the aesthetics. Fran Daniele, production editor, implemented the fresh art program, and responded promptly to each of my queries even though we are nine international time-zones apart.

Once again, I welcome comments from instructors and students who perform these experiments. I invite you to write, or e-mail me at chcauthor@aol.com.

Charles H. Corwin
Department of Chemistry
American River College
Sacramento, CA 95841

Corwin, Charles H. : American River College