CT105 TUTORIAL QUESTIONS

1.Describe the design features of an analytical balance. [8 marks]

2. An analytical balance needs frequent calibration. Explain why this is necessary. [2 marks]

3. How would you calibrate an analytical balance in your laboratory? [3 marks]

4. Distinguish between the micro scale and the conventional laboratory [2 marks]

5.In TLC, what are the main factors which affect the Rf values and how do each of these factors

influence the Rf value? [10 marks]

6. Column chromatography is a technique used which can be used in separation of substances.

Explain how you would use this technique to separate a mixture of dyes. [10 marks]

7.What are the most important safety rules in the Chemical Technology laboratory which every

student should know before starting a practical? [7 marks]

8.Distinguish between Simple distillation and fractional distillation. In your answer include the

apparatus and applications of both methods. [8 marks]

9.With reference to a specific example, describe how you would purify a sample of sodium

chloride crystals in the chemical technology laboratory using the technique of recrystallisation.

[10 marks]

10.Other than the method you described in (a) above, distillation can also be used for purification

of crude samples in the laboratory. Describe the theory, apparatus and applications of this

method. [15 marks]

11.Describe the method which you would use for removing excess water from;

i. Caffeine crystals [8 marks]

ii. Paint solution [8 marks]

*In your description give names of the specific apparatus, reagents and conditions you would use
12.A new fuel has been developed using vegetable oil. As the Laboratory head, you are given the

task of determining its boiling point. How would you do this? [9 marks]

*In your description give names of the specific apparatus, reagents and conditions you would use

13.Reflux is reaction method used when substances require a long reaction time under constant

heat and pressure. Describe the principle, theory and applications of this technique.

[5; 10; 5 marks]

14.What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a multi component solvent system?

[5 marks]

15i.Describe an appropriate method for extracting solid organic analytes from an aloe plant into

a solution. [15 marks]

ii. After extraction in (i) above, how would you purify the resulting liquid sample? [5 marks]

b) Describe how you would accurately weigh a liquid sample on an analytical balance?

[5 marks]

16. Describe the function and importance of the following in a chemistry laboratory;

i. Fumehoods [5 marks]

ii. Shower [5 marks]

17.State five major reasons for scaling down of experiments in a laboratory?

[5 marks]

18.What precautions should be taken when with working with organic solvents in a chemistry

laboratory? [10 marks]

19.An athlete is suspected of steroid use during competitions. You are tasked with investigating

if these allegations are true. With reference to specific techniques and instrumentation, describe

how you would carry out this investigation, given the athlete’s urine sample.

[20 marks]

20.How would you extract trace analytes from a 5ml crude mixture. [5 marks]

21.Describe the most appropriate technique for simultaneously cleaning-up and concentrating a

30ml crude extract of pharmaceutical actives to about 2ml, so that it can be analysed on the GC.

How would you purify the sample? [20 marks]

22. In selection of filter paper, which points would you consider and why [5 marks]

23.Give an account of the procedures used in waste disposal in your laboratory.

[10 marks]

24.Describe the design features and unique applications of the following pieces of apparatus;

i. Volumetric flask [5 marks]

ii. Graduated pipette [5 marks]

iii. Round bottomed flask [5 marks]

25. Describe how you determine the melting point of an sodium hydroxide pellets in the

laboratory. [10 marks]

26.Describe the most appropriate technique and apparatus used for;

i. Drying a 20ml sample of essential oils

ii. Simultaneous filtering and drying of 1.0ml of wet analyte solution extract

iii. Purification of a 5ml yield of crude aspirin. [3x5 marks]