Executive Summary

Experiment No. 1

Experiment Title: LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

Submitted by:

Group No. 6

1MT-R

Group Members Contributions

Introduction, Results and Analysis, Compilation,

Mascardo, Alekhine P. Revisions, Part 2: Measurement of Mass
Procedures, Part 5: Filtering a Mixture Procedure

Methodology, Results and Analysis, Part 2:

Nacpil, Keiffer Eric Q. Measurement of Mass Procedures, Part 5:
Filtering a Mixture Procedure

Results and Analysis, Discussion, PowerPoint,

Ortiz, Airalyn G. Part 3: Heating of Liquids Procedures, Part:4
Measuring Temperature Procedures

Results and Analysis, Discussion, Part 1:

Ramos, Aila Nicole C. Measurement of Liquid Procedures, Part 6:
Chromatography Procedures, References

Abstract, Results and Analysis, Part 1:

Rapanut, Brigette Threnie R. Measurement of Liquid Procedures, Part 6:
Chromatography Procedures

LABORATORY TECHNIQUES
 EXPERIMENT NO. 1
Brigette Threnie R. Rapanut, Alekhine P. Mascardo, Keiffer Eric Q. Nacpil, Airalyn G.
Ortiz, Aila Nicole C. Ramos, FEU-NRMF, General Education Department – Organic
Chemistry
rapanutbrigette24@gmail.com

Abstract
Laboratory safety equipment, correct handling of materials, and knowing the function of
each equipment are the basic information that a student should know before experimenting. In
this activity, the group was given six procedures to follow and it consists of Measurement of
Liquid, Measurement of Mass, Heating of Liquids (Test tube only), Measuring Temperature,
Filtering a Mixture, and Chromatography. The goal of this experiment is to follow the
procedures correctly and to record or describe the results in the datasheet. Furthermore, this
activity is for the students to refresh and remember the safety, use of equipment, and correct
handling. 

Introduction
The world is fuelled by science, it is competitive and it always seeks to gain a deeper
understanding of the different phenomena and events happening in our surroundings on a micro
and macro scale. Therefore, knowledge is a tool that would help students to do work inside the
laboratory quickly and accurately. Furthermore, the students should be equipped with the proper
knowledge about laboratory techniques which is essential to the field of medicine. These
techniques are a set of basic skills that would enhance the students’ capabilities inside the
laboratory. It is a vital tool used not only by beginners but also the professionals working in the
industry.

The analytical chemistry laboratory introduces a new set of techniques that are quite
more complex. It is comprised of procedures in measuring liquids, mass, and temperature,
heating chemicals, filtration, and paper chromatography. Liquids are measured thoroughly with
the use of different glassware that comes in different types. Some are made to be used as
containers like beakers while others are provided with markings to be used for specific
measurements like the graduated cylinder. On the other hand, the mass of chemicals, powders, or
any sample needed to weighed are to be measured on an electronic balance. This balance is quite
sensitive because all factors are taken into account like the room temperature, air currents, and
the containers to be used. Then, temperatures are obtained with the use of an alcohol
thermometer. It is to be taken care of because it can easily break when bumped and dropped on
the floor. There are measures on how to use it too like avoid leaving it on the bottom of the
container when being heated because it might produce incorrect data. The following technique
involves heating the chemicals, there are some instances wherein heat is a requirement to be able
to gather the information needed. The most common equipment used is the Bunsen burner, it
needs to be handled with care because the flame that it produces is an element that is essential
inside the laboratory but it can also bring harm to people. Another technique is filtration,
filtration paper/funnel is commonly used to be able to separate solids mixed with a liquid
substance. Lastly, paper chromatography enables us to separate one chemical from another by
determining the difference in properties.

Following the experiment, the researchers are expected to understand the basic laboratory
techniques utilized and increase the level of safety by getting familiar with the procedures done
inside the laboratory.

Methodology

Part 1: Measuring Liquid

In this experiment, the materials used were a 250 mL beaker, 150 mL Erlenmeyer flask,
and a Graduated cylinder. It started by filling a 250 mL beaker with water up to the 100 mL line.
Then, to accurately measure the liquid, the students poured the water in a graduated cylinder and
recorded its specific volume. The process was repeated 2 or 3 times. It was also emphasized that
in measuring a liquid the basis of the measurement should be the lower meniscus seen at eye
level and record the true volume. Part 1 was repeated using a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask rather
than a beaker for their initial water measurement.
Part 2: Measurement of Mass
The students were instructed to gather a set of pennies and use the electronic balance in
the lab to gather its masses. The pennies are labeled as Penny no. 1 (25 cents), Penny no. 2 (old
one peso), Penny no. 3 (new one peso), Penny no. 4 (old five peso), and Penny no. 5 (new five
peso) coin. Then, after labeling the pennies, the students were instructed to use forceps in
handling the pennies when placing it on the electronic balance. The tare button was pressed to
make sure that the electronic balance was zeroed, therefore reducing the chance of gathering
incorrect mass. After placing the five pennies from the container the students recorded which
penny was used first up until the last one. It was labeled as Penny no. 1-5. Also, it was weighed
one at a time on the balance. After getting the results, the students input the measured mass on
the given handout. The next step followed was to re-zero the balance and place all of the pennies
on the balance pan, obtain the total mass and record it on the datasheet. The students removed
penny no. 1 from the balance pan and then recorded the remaining mass of the four pennies. This
procedure was repeated until only one penny remains on the balance pan which was penny no. 5.
To obtain the individual weights the students used the process called weighing by difference. Its
formula is as follows Individual weight = total mass - individual mass. After getting the results
needed, the data inputted it on the hand-out.

Part 3: Heating of Liquids

In this experiment, the materials used were a test tube, gas burner, and NaCl solution. It
was instructed to condition the gas burner to obtain a gentle blue flame. Then, the students filled
up a test tube about one-third with the saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The group
heated the test tube using the proper technique which is swaying the test tube back and forth on
top of the flame and heat it in an angle towards an area with no person to avoid the liquid
spewing out of the test tube and causing harm. Additionally, the students heated the test tube
until the solution evaporated leaving the salt crystals visible. 

Part 4: Measuring Temperature 

The group collected about 100 mL of hot water from the professor in-charged and then
used a thermometer to record its temperature. Then, instead of using 100 mL of ice, the students
used an electronic balance to measure approximately 100 g of ice and then add 25 mL of tap
water. Additionally, the students used a thermometer and recorded their temperature every five
minutes for 10-25 minutes.

Part 5: Filtering a Mixture

A piece of circle filter paper, filter funnel, beaker, iron ring, and iron stand were used in
this experiment. It started with the folding of filter paper in half and then folded again into
quarters. Then, the filter paper is formed into a cone with one side being one paper thick and the
other three paper thick. Afterward, the filter funnel was clamped with an iron ring to fixate it to
the iron stand. Also, the students placed the paper cone inside the filter funnel and damped it
with small amounts of distilled water with matching gentle presses on the sides to make sure that
it fits the funnel nicely. Then, the students placed a beaker below the funnel to receive the
filtrate, it was also made sure that the tip of the funnel touches the inside surface of the beaker
and extends about one inch beneath the rim. After fixing the set-up, the students obtained a
mixture of 50 mL of sand solution and 50 mL NaCl. The mixture was vigorously mixed to
ensure that 100 mL is representative of the entire solution. The next step was to precipitate the
liquid from the solid by pouring it down a glass stirring rod in the funnel. When filtration was
completed, the filter paper used was washed with distilled water to remove the solid residue. The
students observed their filtrate and asked the teacher to proceed with the inspection.

Part 6: Chromatography 
The students used a strip of filter paper, marking pen, and rubbing alcohol. The first step
was to use a marking pen and then draw a line across a strip of filter paper. Also, the line must be
2 cm from one end of the strip. Then, on the unmarked end of the filter paper, tape it to the center
of a pencil so the strip may hang down when the pencil is held horizontally. The following step
was to pour rubbing alcohol into a plastic cup to a depth of 1cm. The students then placed the
pencil on the rim of the plastic cup enabling the ink end of the strip to touch the alcohol. The
observation of the setup lasted for 15 minutes. 

Results and Analysis

Part 1: Measurement of Liquid

Equipment Measured Volume Actual Volume

250 mL Beaker 100 mL 96 mL

125 mL Erlenmeyer 100 mL 100 mL

Flask

Table 1. Measurement of Liquid

A. Use the following equation and calculate the percent error (%) in volume measurement of the
beaker. Show work in space provided.
% Error = 100 x (Measured Value - Actual Value) / Actual Value
% Error = 100 x (100 - 96) / 96
% Error = 4.167%

B. Use the following equation and calculate the percent error (%) in volume measurement of the
beaker. Show work in space provided.
% Error = 100 x (Measured Value - Actual Value) / Actual Value
% Error = 100 x (100 - 100) / 100
% Error = 0%

Part 2: Measurement of Mass

In measuring the 5 pennies gathered, an electronic balance was utilized and the pennies
are placed on it with the use of thongs. The first penny measured was 25 cents with a mass of 3.6
g. Then, the second and third penny are both a one peso coin. The only difference was that the
second penny belonged to the old series which has a mass of 6 g, while the third belongs to the
new series and was measured to have a mass of 5.9g. Additionally, the fourth penny and fifth
penny are both a five peso coin. The fourth penny which belonged to the old series was measured
to have a mass of 7.7 g while the new series five peso coin has a mass of 7.4 g. After obtaining
every individual mass of each coin, the five pennies were measured to get the total mass of 30.6
g and an average mass of 6.12 g. Furthermore, a penny was removed from the group of pennies
which was penny number one and the remaining pennies were measured with a mass of 27.1 g.
The process is then repeated by removing penny number two, the remaining three pennies
accumulated a mass of 21.7 g. Also, after removing penny number three the last two pennies'
mass was 15.1 g. The last penny which was penny number five was measured after removing
penny number four and its mass was 7.4 g. Moreover, the individual weights were calculated
with the given formula, the weights are as follows: Penny no.1 (27 g), Penny no.2 (24.6 g),
Penny no.3 (24.7 g), Penny no.4 (22.9 g), and Penny no.5 (23.2 g). The average weight was
measured to be 24.48 g.

Calculations 
Individual Weights
Penny no. Average Mass
1. 30.6 - 3.6 = 27 g (3.6+6+5.9+7.7+7.4) / 5 = 6.12 g
2. 30.6 - 6 = 24.6 g
3. 30.6 - 5.9 = 24.7 g Average Weight
4. 30.6 - 7.7 = 22.9 g (27+24.6+24.7+22.9+23.2) / 5 = 24.48 g
5. 30.6 - 7.4 = 23.2 g

Penny Individual Mass (g) Total Mass (g) Individual weight (g)

#1 25 cents 3.6 g 5 pennies = 30.6 g 27 g

#2 1 peso (old) 6g 4 pennies = 27.1 g 24.6 g

#3 1 peso (new) 5.9 g 3 pennies = 21.7 g 24.7 g

#4 5 peso (old) 7.7 g 2 pennies = 15.1 g 22.9 g

#5 5 peso (new) 7.4 g 1 penny = 7.4 g 23.2 g

Ave. mass (g) = 6.12 g Ave. weight (g) = 24.48 g

Table 2. Measurement of mass of Pennies

Part 3: Heating of Liquids

In procedures for heating liquids specifically for test tubes, a test tube was filled with
one-third saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and was heated directly with a Bunsen
burner. At first, there was no visible difference but after three to five minutes the solution began
to boil and evaporate. Then, roughly 10 to 15 minutes in the procedure, the crystal salts began to
form creating a “pop” sound. It was observed to have a white color, has a cubic form, and has the
same appearance as the table salt. Furthermore, the students decided to completely evaporate the
sodium chloride solution (NaCl). Therefore, the walls of the test tube were fully coated with the
produced crystal salts.

Part 4: Measuring Temperature

The following part is measuring the temperature of 100 mL of hot water and 100 g of ice
with 25 mL of tap water. The hot water was first measured and it reached 38 degrees celsius.
Afterward, the temperature of 100 g of ice is measured and recorded every five minutes for 10-
25 minutes. In the first five minutes, its temperature reached 6 °C. Then, after another five
minutes, it became 8 °C. In the third measurement, it changed into 0.6 °C and at this time the ice
began to melt and the rapid cooling of the beaker was observed. In the fourth measurement, the
temperature changed into 0.3 °C, creating a more cooling effect. And for the last measurement,
the temperature reached 0 °C and the increased sweating of the beaker is observed.

Elapsed Time Temperature of Ice Mixture (℃)

5 minutes 6℃

10 minutes 8°C

15 minutes 0.6℃

20 minutes 0.3℃.

25 minutes 0℃
Table 3. Temperature of 100 g of ice with 25 mL of tap water every five minutes

Part 5: Filtering a Mixture

 Figure 1. Flowchart of separating the components

This procedure utilized a set up composed of a funnel clamped to an iron stand with a
beaker below to collect the filtrate. A filter paper was used to separate the solids from a mixture
of 50 mL of sand solution and 50 mL of sodium chloride solution (NaCl). The whole process
took a long time before completion, it consisted of keeping an eye on the mixture in the funnel to
make sure that there was an ongoing filtration and at the same time make sure that the mixture
does not go over the top of the filter paper cone to prevent grains of sand passing through the
funnel. After the filtration process, the filtrate produced can be compared to the water that we
drink casually because it can be observed to possess low turbidity. Additionally, the suspended
particulates in the mixture were filtered and can be seen on the filter paper showing a murky
color.

Part 6: Chromatography
Chromatography is a laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture. It involves two
phases, the Mobile phase which is the moving substance and the Stationary phase, in which the
substance stays up. As the mobile phase moves, the components of the stationary phase
separates. At first, when the liquid started to past the solid, molecules sucked down towards the
surface of the solid and stick there temporarily before being pulled again from where it started.
Exchange of molecules between the surface of the solid and liquid has adsorption - adhesive or
gluing effect. Some undergo adsorption in a slightly different way and spends less or more time
traveling through the strip. Liquids might spend a much longer time in a solid phase that is why
it travels slower. Others might spend less time in solid that is why it travels a bit faster. As we
have observed in our experiment, the blue dissolved ink (mobile phase) slowly travels up the
paper (stationary phase). Starting from 2 cm, the distance that the solvent traveled was 5 cm. It is
the capillary action that makes the solvent travel up the paper, where it meets and dissolves the
ink.

Discussion
Part 1: Measurement of Liquid

Analytical chemists use a variety of glassware to measure a liquid’s volume. The choice
of what type of glassware to use depends on how accurately we need to know the liquid’s
volume and whether we are interested in containing or delivering the liquid.

As the students perform this experiment, the data were gathered and the needed
information was listed. The students found out that the 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask can give an
accurate measurement of the liquid due to its 1% error. On the other hand, the 250 mL beaker
gave us a 4.167% error, this is due to the different size of the glassware that was used. According
to Brennan (2018), beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks should not be used to measure volume unless
you need only a very crude estimate because their accuracy for volume measurements is so poor.
They can hold a much larger volume than any of the other types of glassware, however, which
makes them useful for mixing solutions.

Part 2: Measurement of Mass

Analytical balances are instruments used for precise determining the mass of matter.
They are sensitive and expensive instruments, and upon their accuracy and precision, the
correctness of the analysis result depends. Measuring the mass of many pennies has been used as
an easy way to generate data for exercises with statistical analysis. In this laboratory, the
densities of pennies are measured by weighing the pennies.

The mass of penny has changed throughout the year. When observed in a table above, the
old 1 peso coin that has a mass of 6g weighs a little bit (0.01g) higher than the new 1 peso coin
that has a mass of 5.9g. The same goes for the 5 peso coin which has a mass of 7.7g weighs
0.03g higher than the new 5 peso coin which has a mass of 7.4g. After getting the mass of each
of the pennies, all the values were added and divided by 5 to get the average mass. Moreover, the
researchers gathered the total mass of different pennies and then subtracted from their mass.
After subtracting, the gathered data were added and divided again by 5 to get the average mass.

Part 3: Heating of Liquids

Once the sodium chloride solution (NaCl) boils, the water evaporates and the vapor rises.
As time goes by, the water evaporates completely leaving the salt behind. It is because of the
differences in their boiling and melting point. The boiling point of salt is 1,413 °C and its
melting point is 801 °C it is 10 times higher compared to the water’s boiling point. Hence, the
salt in the sodium chloride solution (NaCl) was left in the test tube and did not melt once the
water started to evaporate.

Part 4: Measuring Temperature

The melting and freezing point is accountable for the temperature of the combined tap
water and ice. The water transfers its heat once the ice is added in it that is why the temperature
increased in the first two records. The heat is transferred continuously, however, when the
temperature reaches 0 °C (32 °F), which is the freezing point of water and melting point of ice
some changes occur. The ice becomes denser compared to water and continuously melts giving
off its coldness to the surrounding water resulting in its freezing temperature. 

Part 5: Filtering a Mixture

In the filtration of the combined sand and salt solution, the solubility is responsible for
the whole experiment. The sand is not soluble to water resulting in the brownish residue that the
observers found in the filter paper. Unlike sand, salt is undeniably soluble to water because it
contains positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions, therefore, the polar ends of the water
molecule attract the oppositely charged ions of the salt resulting in its decreasing size until it
completely dissolved.

NaCl(s) Na + (aq) + Cl-(aq)

As more and more salt dissociates, the solution is getting more saturated. Eventually, so
many ions are dissolved in water that a reverse reaction starts to take place.

Na + (aq) + Cl-(aq) NaCl(s)

 The reverse reaction decreases the speed at which water absorbs the next particles of salt.
Finally, the rate of the reverse reaction reaches the rate of dissociation - the concentration of ions
does not change with time. The solution reaches its equilibrium in given conditions and is called
a saturated solution or the filtrate.

Part 6: Chromatography

Chromatography encompasses a broad range of laboratory testing methods used for

separation and identification of complex mixtures, often with amazing specificity, sensitivity,
and precision. The components in a mixture are separated in an almost magical way based on
differences in partitioning between the mobile phase and the stationary phase. Various detectors
are used to identify and quantify the separated components of the mixture.

When the researchers placed the filter paper 1 cm below the ethyl alcohol, the change in
the paper has been observed. According to the observation, the ink scattered upward due to the
presence of ethyl alcohol and the scattered color of the ink has been absorbed narrowly upward
in the filter paper. As per Woodford (2019), capillary action makes the solvent travel up the
paper, where it meets and dissolves the ink. The dissolved ink (the mobile phase) slowly travels
up the paper (the stationary phase) and separates it into different components.

Conclusion
At the end of this experiment, the students were able to become familiar with the
equipment used in standard chemistry laboratory, practice the proper procedures of basic
laboratory techniques, and understand its concepts. The students were able to distinguish the
specific tools used in a specific procedure such as graduated cylinder, beaker, Erlemeyer flask,
test tube, test tube rack, test tube holder, ring stand, wire gauze, clay triangle, crucible with lid,
evaporation dish, watch glass, wash bottle, dropping pipette, electronic balances, and analytical
balance. Measuring the samples with the specified equipment is also accomplished by the
students for accurate results.
 References

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 APPENDICES

Figure 1. Measurement of Figure 2. Measurement of Figure 3. Heating of

Liquid Mass Liquid

Figure 4. Measuring Figure 5. Filtration Figure 6. Chromatography

Temperature