What This Document Is
This document provides detailed instructional guidelines for a specific laboratory assignment within the Chem 14B course at UCLA – focusing on the analysis of acetic acid. It outlines the expectations for both pre-laboratory preparation and the post-laboratory report, ensuring students understand how to effectively document and analyze experimental work. It’s designed to be used *in conjunction* with the actual laboratory experiment and the course textbook.
Why This Document Matters
This guideline is essential for students enrolled in Chem 14B who are undertaking the acetic acid analysis experiment. It clarifies the precise requirements for earning full credit on the assignment, helping you structure your lab notebook entries and reports correctly. Understanding these guidelines *before* and *during* the lab will save time and improve the quality of your work. It’s particularly useful for students who want to ensure their reports adhere to the instructor’s specific expectations regarding format, data presentation, and safety protocols.
Topics Covered
* Laboratory Safety Procedures
* Solution Preparation Techniques
* Proper Use of Laboratory Equipment (specifically, burets)
* Acid-Base Chemistry Principles (review of prior concepts)
* Data Recording and Analysis
* Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) interpretation
* Laboratory Report Formatting (pre-lab and post-lab)
* Significant Figures and pH Meter Theory
What This Document Provides
* A detailed breakdown of pre-lab report requirements, including sections on experiment title, references, introduction, and procedure outlining.
* Guidance on locating and interpreting crucial safety information using the MSDS database for specific chemicals involved in the experiment.
* Specific pre-lab questions to complete, designed to assess your understanding *before* entering the lab.
* Instructions for organizing and presenting experimental data in a clear and comprehensive manner within your lab notebook.
* Clarification on expectations for data analysis, including the proper use of units and significant figures.
