GROUP ASSIGNMENT CHM138

Experiment 1 : Basic Laboratory Technique

GROUP: AS1141B1

Prepared by :
. Muhammad Shafiq Shaiza Bin Muhd Sarudin
. Muhammed Hakim Bin Abd Razak
. Muhammad Syafiq Bin Suhaimi
. Muhammad Amir Hamzah Bin Mohd Yusof

Prepared for : Siti Noriah Binti Mohd Shotor

Submitted on: 29 December 2016

|QUESTIONS
1.How do you overcome or reduce the problem of random error and
systematic error while doing an experiment?

Random error can be overcome by taking more data. Random errors can be evaluated through
statistical analysis and can be reduced by averaging over a large number of observations. -
Systematic errors are difficult to detect and cannot be analyzed statistically, because all of the
data is off in the same direction. Systematic errors can be minimized with careful analysis
and design of the test conditions and procedure. We could also reduce the systematic errors
by comparing your results to other results obtained independently and using different
equipment or techniques.

2.In what situation do you use a volumetric flask, conical flask, pipette, and
graduated cylinder? Explain your answer from the accuracy aspects of these
apparatus?

Volumetric flask are used for precise dilution and preparation of standard solution at a
particular temperature. A pipette is a glass tube used for moving a specific volume of a
solution, the most accurate pipette is the Volumetric Pipette which allows extremely accurate
measurement of a volume of solution. Graduated cylinder are used to dispense and measure
known volumes of liquid.

3.Explain how to read burette. What are factors to be considered while using
burette?

Burette should be read from the top to the bottom. Using a burette, make sure the burette is
cleaned before hand using distilled water. After that, rinse the burette very well with solution
use in titration. Fill the solution until above the meniscus level. Release the solution through
the stopcock. The difference between initial and final volume of the solution is the desired
measurement.
Objective : 1. To learn the qualitative and quantitative aspect of common
laboratory equipment.
2. To expose student to the factors that affect the accuracy of an experiment.

Introduction: Chemistry is an experimental science. The experiment that was carried out
need careful observations and using good laboratory techniques. Mastery of
the techniques, concepts, and calculations covered in the laboratory course
will provide the foundation for future chemistry. Key techniques such as mass
measurement, volume transfer, solution preparation and dilution, titration, and
qualitative analysis must be done safely balancing precision and speed. The
proper use of equipment for the measurement of various physical properties is
very important. This may include interpolation and estimating between the
marks on a scale; using appropriate number of significant figures in reporting
measured quantities.

Apparatus : Analytical balance , Burette , Pipette (20 mL or 25 mL) , Volumetric flask (25
mL) , Beaker (50 mL) , Thermometer , Pipette filler , Retort stand ,Burette clamp and
Dropper.

Chemical : Distilled water

Procedure: A. Calibration of Volumetric Flask

1. A 25 mL volumetric flask was cleaned and dried and then, accurately

weighed using analytical balance. Mass of the empty beaker was recorded.
2. Distilled water was added until the calibration mark (dropper was used in
the last few drops of distilled water) and weighed again using the same
balance. The mass of distilled water and volumetric flask was recorded.
3. Temperature of the distilled water was recorded.
4. The volumetric flask actual volume was determined from Table 1.
B. Calibration of Pipette

1. A 50 mL beaker was cleaned and dried. By using an analytical balance the

empty beaker is weighed accurately. The mass of empty was recorded.
2. A 20 mL pipette was cleaned and rinsed with distilled water.
3. The pipette was filled with distilled water using the procedures that have
been discussed in the introduction part.
4. The distilled water was drained into the beaker and weighed again. The
mass of distilled water and beaker was recorded.
5. Step 1-4 was repeated one more time and the temperature of the distilled
water was recorded.
6. The actual volume of the pipette was determined from Table 1.

C. Calibration of Burette

1. A 50 mL was cleaned and dried. By using an analytical balance , the

empty beaker is weighed accurately. The mass of the empty beaker is
recorded.
2. The burette was cleaned and rinsed by using distilled water . The burette
was filled with the distilled water until the zero mark.
3. 5 ml of the water from the burette was drained into the beaker and was
weighed as soon as possible. Mass was recorded.
4. Step 3 was repeated by draining water from the burette until the following
burette reading become 10 ml,15 ml, and 20 ml.(Each time 5 ml distilled
water has been added from the burette).The mass (distilled water and
beaker) was recorded every time after adding 5 ml of water.
5. The temperature of distilled water was recorded.
6. The actual volume for every addition of 5 ml of distilled water was
determined from the Table 1.
Discussion: 1. the volume of volumetric flask used is 25 mL while the volume based on
experiment result ________. As for pipette, the volume of pipette is 20 mL while the volume
based on the experiment result is _______. For burette, the volume of water from burette is
20 mL and as the result from the experiment is ______.

2. The difference in result and theory volume probably might be affected by

the parallax error. For example, we misread the calibration mark as the
position if the eye of the observer not perpendicular to the calibration mark.
Furthermore, while in the lab, the operator might slightly misread the
calibration mark as he/she doesn’t repeated the experiment.

3. To overcome the problem , the experiment could obtain a better result by be

conducted in a room with fixed temperature , make sure the eye of the
observer is perpendicular to the calibration mark and also the experiment need
to be repeated several times so that the accurate result would be obtain.

Conclusion: Based on the experiment , the used of common glassware at burette, pipette
and volumetric flask is to determine the accuracy with given amount of water. These
glassware is used to measure the volume accurately. So, as it obviously shown that the pipette
is the most accurate instrument because it is the most sensitive instrument. Furthermore, the
accuracy of the experiment can be affected by the parallax error at the surrounding
temperature

References

1. Barbara H. Estridge, Anna P. Reynolds, Norma J. Walters. Cengage

Learning, 2000 - Medical - 620 pages
Basic Medical Laboratory Techniques 4th Edition
2.Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments (2008 ed.),Robert Bruce
Thompson,

3.https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/virtual_lab/LabZero/Minimizing_Systematic_Er
ror.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volumetric_pipette
http://www.vilabo.com/en/products/volumetric