LABORATORY TECHNIQUES
Thehandlingoflaboratoryapparatusis a skill you will want to develop. As
with anyotheraccomplishment, you will find a great deal ofsatisfactionin
masteringit.Itwill help you to do your experiments more easily and more
efficiently.
Neatnessand cleanliness are veryimportantin alaboratory. Arrangethe
shelves above your table to suit your own convenience,butafter every experi-
ment, be sure toreturneach piece ofequipmentto itsproperplace. Keep all
metal and glassware clean and dry. Keep the outside of your "stock"bottles
clean and free of any chemical substance. Replace worn ortornboxes at once.
Label everything in yourlaboratorycorrectly and legibly.CAUTION:If you use
kitchen utensils in yourlaboratory,make sure yourmotherdoesn'twant to use
them anymore. Even ifthey'rewashed, itisn'tsafe to cook with them after they
have held chemicals.
How to Use an Alcohol Burner.Many experiments require heat, and the
alcoholburneris more efficient for thispurposethana candle. Keep the wick
clean and trimmed. Whenever the flame is not blue, it is either because the wick
is dirty or needs trimming. When you are not using theburner,keep it tightly
covered to preventevaporationof the alcohol. In lighting theburner,strike the
match away from you. Inputtingit out, cover it quickly with the metal cap.
After you refill it and before you strike a match, make surethatno spilled
alcohol remains on the outside of thejar,on the table, or on your hands.