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Laboratory Manual
in
CHEM 108

CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural
and Biosystems Engineering
-Engineering-
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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)
 Laboratory Manual

Chemistry for Engineers

2nd Semester 2021-2022

Prepared by
DR. MARIANNE FAITH M. PEREZ, RCh.
CAS

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 Table of Contents

Instruction to the User ................................................................................................4

MIDTERMS .................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 5
LABORATORY 1. ACCURACY AND PRECISION .....................................................6
LABORATORY 2. SEPARATION OF MIXTURE: PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY...9
FINAL TERM ................................................................................................................ 14
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 14
LABORATORY 3. ACIDS AND BASES .................................................................... 15
LABORATORY 4. CHEMICAL SAFETY .................................................................. 15
References ................................................................................................................. 21

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Instruction to the User

This laboratory manual will provide you with an educational experience while
independently accomplishing the task at your own time and pace. It also aims to
ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It covers the topic
about the Introduction to Chemistry: Matter and Measurement and Acids and Bases.

Reminders in using this laboratory manual.

1. Keep this material neat and intact.
2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this laboratory manual.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the posttest to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this laboratory manual nor post it to
social media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort
were spent in the preparation in order that learning will still
continue amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

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 MIDTERMS

Introduction

This laboratory manual will serve as an alternative learning material to that of regular
classroom teaching and learning delivery. The instructor will facilitate and explain the
laboratory manual to the students to achieve its expected learning outcomes, activities
and to ensure that they will learn amidst of pandemic.

This material discusses the introduction to Chemistry for Engineers. It aims to teach
you about Introduction to Chemistry: Matter and Measurement, Properties of Matter,
and Acids and Bases. It is very important that you cooperate by using this laboratory
manual page by page and completing all the given activities. At the end of the
Laboratory Manual, the learning outcome is evaluated based on the different tasks
given to you.

Through your cooperation in this kind of flexible learning delivery, understanding

chemistry in the study of matter, the changes it undergoes and the measurements used
in chemistry is possible. It is expected that after using this laboratory manual you will
become well-oriented on the basics of chemistry and be aware that chemical principles
operate in all aspects of our lives and everyday activities.

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LABORATORY 1. ACCURACY AND PRECISION

Objectives
At the end of the experiment, the student shall:
1. Identify the properties of matter associated with selected samples; and
2. Learn to calculate the mean, standard deviation and percent relative standard
deviation of the measurements recorded.

A. Introduction

Experimental error is defined as the difference between an experimental value and the
actual value of a quantity. This difference indicates the accuracy of the measurement.
The accuracy is a measure of the degree of closeness of a measured or calculated value
to its actual value. The percent error is the ratio of the error to the actual value
multiplied by 100.
%Error = (error/actual value) X 100

The precision of a measurement is a measure of the reproducibility of a set of

measurements. The significant figures displayed on an instrument are an indication of
the precision of the instrument. The diagram below illustrates the difference between
accuracy and precision.

Measurement errors can be divided into two components: random error and
systematic error. A random error is related to the precision of the instrument. These
are inherent errors that are dependent on the instrument and can not be eliminated
without changing the instrument. A systematic error is human error. These are errors
related to imperfect experimental technique. Some examples include errors in
experimental readings and imperfect instrument calibration. Systematic errors may
be decreased as the laboratory techniques of the analyst improve. The accuracy of an
experimental value is best determined by the average value of multiple measurements
where xi represents a measurement and n is the number of measurements.

The precision of a set of measurements can be determined by calculating the standard

deviation for a set of data where n-1 is the degrees of freedom of the system.

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The above calculations are the absolute uncertainty of a measurement. The relative
uncertainty of a measured value can be determined by dividing the standard deviation
by the average value. If you multiply the relative uncertainty by 100, then you obtain
the percent standard deviation.

The relative uncertainty for any given experimental value is dependent upon the
precision of the precision of the instruments being used. If more than one instrument
is made for the determination of an experimental value, then the errors propagate to
give a final relative uncertainty. For example, if a 25.00 mL buret was used to deliver
18.45 mL of a solution. If the precision of the buret was reported to be ± 0.03 mL, then
the reported value is 18.45 ± 0.03 mL.

B. Materials/Equipment needed

1. Measuring device, any of the following:

a. Digital weighing scale (capable of reading weights to 2 decimal points,
eg 20.55 Kg)
b. Timer (capable of reading weights to 2 decimal points, eg 20.55 mins
or 20.55 s)

2. Samples, any of the following:

a. 3 objects with different sizes (small, medium and large object)
b. 3 persons to perform the agility test

B. Procedure
1. Select 3 objects from your kitchen with different sizes; or 3 persons in
your household.
2. In case of objects: weigh the object 10 times (10 trials), record each
weight in the worksheet;
3. For person, perform agility test by recording the time taken while
moving (running or walking) from point 1 to point 2 which is 5 meters
away from each other.
4. Calculate the mean, standard deviation, and percent relative standard
deviation. Use the formula below. Report answers in proper significant
figures.

Formula:
!
a. Mean, 𝑋"= ∑ "!
∑# & "
!$%(!! %! )
b. Standard deviation, s = $ ("%()
)
c. Percent relative standard deviation, %RSD = !& 𝑥 100

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 Laboratory Report No. 1

Name: _______________________ Score:______

Date Conducted:

I. Brief Introduction/ Concept

II. Objectives

III. Procedure

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IV. Results

Name of object Object 1 Object 2 Object 3

Unit
Trial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Mean
Standard
deviation
%RSD

V. Discussion
1. What have you observed in measuring the weight/time repeatedly?

2. How do you differentiate precision and accuracy?

VI. Conclusion

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LABORATORY 2. SEPARATION OF MIXTURE: PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Principle
Mixtures can be physically separated by using methods that use differences in physical
properties to separate the components of the mixture, such as evaporation, distillation,
filtration and chromatography. Chromatography is a separation process that rely on
the differing abilities of substances to adhere to the surfaces of solids. Chromatography
literally means “the writing of colors”.

Objectives
At the end of the experiment, the student shall:
1. Learn the technique of separation of mixture by paper chromatography;
and
2. Identify the component colors of different pens.

A. Materials

1. Rubbing Alcohol (isobutyl alcohol or ethanol)

2. White bond paper, cut into 10 cm x 4 cm
3. Colored Pens, signing pen and pentel pen of any color
4. Pencil
5. Ruler
6. Transparent glass or jar, at least 12 cm tall and 6 cm wide
7. Clean cardboard to cover the glass
8. Watch (time piece)

B. Procedures

1. Cut the bond paper into 10 cm x 4 cm.

2. Using a pencil (ink from a pen would run, so pencil is better), draw a line, 1cm
from the edge of one side of the paper
3. Make 5 pencil dots along this line, at 0.7 cm apart. Underneath each dot, label
the color of the colored pens or signing pen you will test on that spot. You

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 won't have space to write the whole color name. Try B for blue, G for green,
or something equally easy.
4. Shade the pencil dots (Approximate size of the shade: ) with colored pens
(color of your choice), signing pen and/or pentel pen.
5. Pour the alcohol into a clean transparent glass or jar so that the liquid level is
0.4 cm. You want the level to be below the sample dots. You can check this by
holding the paper up against the outside of the glass. Pour out a little alcohol
if the level is too high. Once the level is correct, stand the filter paper inside
the glass, with the dot side down and the edge of the paper wetted by the
alcohol. Cover the glass or jar with cardboard.
6. Capillary action will draw the alcohol up the paper. As it passes through the
dots, it will begin to separate the ink/dyes. You will notice some colors contain
more than one dye. The ink/dyes separate because some dyes are more likely
to stick to the paper, while other dyes have a higher affinity for the alcohol. In
paper chromatography, the paper is called the "stationary phase" and the
liquid (salt water) is called the "mobile phase."
7. When the alcohol is 0.5 cm from the top edge of the paper, remove it from the
glass and place it on a clean, flat surface to dry.
8. Record the time it takes for the alcohol to reach the top edge of the paper (0.5
cm from top edge)
9. Record the distance travelled by the solvent and each color components.

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 Laboratory Report No. 2

Name: _______________________ Score:______

Date Conducted:

I. Brief Introduction/ Concept

II. Objectives

III. Procedure

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 IV. Results

1. Observations

2. Separation of colors

Color Used Component Distance Travelled Distance

Colors (Solute), cm Travelled
(Solvent), cm
Example:
Sign pen – Black Black 1.5 cm
Violet 1 cm
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

3. What are the principles of paper chromatography that you

have learned from the experiment?

V. Conclusion

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 FINAL TERM

Introduction

This laboratory manual will serve as an alternative learning material to that of regular
classroom teaching and learning delivery. The instructor will facilitate and explain the
module to the students to achieve its expected learning outcomes, activities and to
ensure that they will learn amidst of pandemic.

This material discusses the introduction to Chemistry for Engineers. It aims to teach
you about Chemical Safety. It is very important that you cooperate by using this
laboratory manual page by page and completing all the given activities. At the end of
the Laboratory Manual, the learning outcome is evaluated based on the different tasks
given to you.

Through your cooperation in this kind of flexible learning delivery, understanding

chemistry in the study of matter, the changes it undergoes and the measurements used
in chemistry is possible. It is expected that after using this module you will become
well-oriented on the basics of chemistry and be aware that chemical principles operate
in all aspects of our lives and everyday activities.

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 LABORATORY 3. ACIDS AND BASES
Objectives
At the end of the experiment, the student shall:
1. Classify acids and bases used in the household; and
2. Determine the pH values of the selected samples.

A. Materials/Equipment needed

• Red cabbage
• Blender or knife
• Boiling water
• Filter paper (Cheese cloth or coffee filter)
• One large glass beaker or another glass container
• Six 250 mL beakers or other small glass containers
• Various household solutions

B. Procedure

1. Chop the cabbage into small pieces until you have about 2 cups of chopped cabbage.
Place the cabbage in a large beaker or other glass container and add boiling water to
cover the cabbage. Allow at least 10 minutes for the color to leach out of the cabbage.
Alternatively, you can place about 2 cups of cabbage in a blender, cover it with boiling
water, and blend it.

2. Filter out the plant material to obtain a red-purple-bluish colored liquid. This liquid
is at about pH 7. The exact color you get depends on the pH of the water used.

3. Pour about 50–100 mL of your red cabbage indicator into each 250 mL beaker or glass
container.

4. Add each selected household solution (3 basic and 3 acidic solutions) to the prepared
indicator until it changes color. Use separate containers for each household solution.
Do not want to mix the household solutions as they may not go well together.
Red Cabbage pH Indicator Colors

pH 2 4 6 8 10 12
Color Red Purple Violet Blue Blue-Green Greenish Yellow

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 Laboratory Report No. 3

Name: _______________________ Score:______

Date Conducted:

I. Brief Introduction/ Concept

II. Objectives

III. Procedure

IV. Results
1. Worksheet
Type of solution / Color
Household solutions pH
(Acid or base)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

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V. Discussion
1. Define the acid-base indicator? What is chemical reaction behind the color
indicator change?

2. Discuss and cite chemical reactions behind the reaction of red cabbage
with your chosen household solutions. Choose 2 samples only, 1 acid and 1
base.

3. What are the importance of identifying the acidity or basicity of common

household solutions.

VI. Conclusion

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 LABORATORY 4. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Preparation of Household Chemical Safety Program

At the end of this laboratory exercise you will learn about chemical safety and how it
can be used as a pollution prevention technique.

Objectives:
1. Preparation of a Household Chemical Safety Program.
2. You will be able to define what makes a chemical toxic.
3. Differentiate household chemicals’ hazard classification
4. Proper handling of household chemicals

Instructions:
1. Conduct a chemical survey in your household.
2. Identify properly the components of the chemicals available in your household
and their corresponding hazardous classifications. List at least 10.
3. Create rules on the safe usage of household chemicals.
4. Create waste minimization and proper waste segregation and disposal of the
household chemicals

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 Laboratory Report No. 4

Name: _______________________ Score:______

Date Conducted:

I. Brief Introduction/ Concept

II. Objectives

III. Procedure

IV. Results

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 1. Identified household chemicals and their hazardous classifications

Household Chemical Hazardous Classification

1.
2.

(Add space here)

V. Discussion
1. What are the rules on safe chemicals handling (per classification)

2. How do you practice waste minimization and proper waste segregation?

3. What are the good practices on disposal of the household chemicals?

VI. Conclusion

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References
Brown, Larry, Tom Holme (2011). Chemistry for Engineering Students

Brown, Theodore L. et.al. (2015). Chemistry: The Central Science

Chang, Raymond (2005). Chemistry

Odian, George, Ira Blei (1994). General, Organic and Biological Chemistry

Disclaimer: This laboratory manual is prepared for instructional purposes only. The teacher does
not claim ownership of this module but patterned the ideas from different authors.

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Congratulations for completing this module!

Student’s Information

Name:
Program:
Year and Section:
Contact No.:
E-mail address:
Facebook Account:
Messenger Account:

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 Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green
technologies for a dynamic economy and sustainable
development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Core Values (3CT)

Culture of Excellence
Commitment
Creativity
Teamwork

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