What This Document Is
This document provides detailed guidelines for a General Chemistry Laboratory experiment focusing on separation techniques – specifically distillation and gas chromatography (GC). It’s designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 20L at the University of California, Los Angeles, and outlines expectations for both pre-laboratory preparation and post-laboratory reporting. It serves as a comprehensive resource to ensure a thorough understanding of experimental procedures and data analysis.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students actively participating in the CHEM 20L laboratory. It’s particularly valuable when preparing for lab sessions involving distillation and GC, and when compiling accurate and complete lab reports. Students will find it helpful to review this material *before* beginning the experiment to maximize their time in the lab and ensure they meet all assignment requirements. Access to these guidelines will help you approach the experiment with confidence and clarity.
Topics Covered
* Laboratory Safety Protocols
* Principles of Distillation
* Principles of Gas Chromatography (GC)
* Pre-Laboratory Report Preparation
* Post-Laboratory Report Structure & Content
* Data Analysis and Interpretation (GC chromatograms)
* Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) usage
* Group Collaboration in Lab Reporting
What This Document Provides
* Guidance on completing pre-lab assignments, including required information regarding chemical properties.
* A structured framework for organizing and presenting experimental data in post-lab reports.
* Details on the expected components of a group lab report, including abstract writing and responsibility allocation.
* Instructions for interpreting and utilizing data obtained from gas chromatography, such as retention times and composition analysis.
* Links to online resources and technique videos to supplement in-lab learning.
