SKU3013 : Chemistry I

D20152072027

BASIC LABORATORY TECHNIQUE

Objectives :
1. To measure the weight using differentiating weighing method.
2. To measure the accurate and inaccurate measuring liquid volume apparatus based on
calculated volume from weight and density information.
3. To record data using the right apparatus.
Apparatus :
Weighing bottle
Erlenmeyer flask

4 250 mL

Burette

1 50 mL

Pipette

1 25 mL

Beaker

1 50 mL or 25 mL

Measuring cylinder

1 50 mL or 25 mL

Materials :
Water
Coin

1 cent 20

Procedures :
A. Weighing
The weight of coins is measured by using electrical balance and the reading is recorded.
B. Volume measurement
1. The apparatus is clean before use.
2. Erlenmeyer flask is labeled as A, B, C and D, weighed and the weight of each flask are
recorded.
3. 25 mL of water is transferred into flask A by using burette. The burette reading is recorded to
the nearest 0.05 mL.
4. 25 mL water is transferred into flask B by using pipette.
5. The weight of each flask with water is weighed and recorded.
6. 25 mL water is transferred into flask C by using beaker and weighed again.

SKU3013 : Chemistry I

D20152072027

7. By using measuring cylinder, 25 mL water is measured and transferred into flask D and
weighed again.
8. From the volume and weight obtained, the accuracy of each apparatus (Burette, pipette,
measurement cylinder and beaker) is identified. Water density is calculated by using the data
obtained.
Data :
A. Weighing
Coin
1 cent

Reading for
beaker (g)
52.7

Reading for coins

and beaker (g)
87.7

Mass of coins
35

B. Volume measurement and compare accuracy

Apparatus

Weight of the
empty flask
(g)

Weight of the flask

with 25 mL water
(g)

Mass of water
(g)

Density

109.8482
112.2055
113.5131

134.1872
137.7292
136.2749

24.339
25.5237
22.7618

0.9736
1.0209
0.9104

107.9882

142.7557

34.7675

1.3907

Burette
Pipette
Beaker
Measuring
cylinder

Compare accuracy :
From the experiment, pipette showed the nearest reading to the density of water (1.0 g/mL)
followed by burette, beaker and measuring cylinder.

Discussion :

SKU3013 : Chemistry I

D20152072027

From the experiment we know that the most accurate apparatus to calculate the density of water
is by using pipette. It is because pipette showed the nearest reading to density of water which is
1.0 g/mL. The scale of pipette is the smallest compare to burette, beaker and measuring cylinder.
Burette is less accuracy than pipette because from this experiment showed that burettes reading
is near to water density but not nearest as pipettes reading. The scale of burette is bigger than
pipette and smaller than beaker and measuring cylinder. We also should position our eyes
correctly to avoid small mistake that will affect our final result.
In this experiment, there are some errors that show the beaker is more accurate than measuring
cylinder. From the reading, showed that beakers reading near to the value of water density than
measuring cylinder. During this experiment, we find that the reason of this mistake and we need
to discuss and find the alternative method to correct it. First mistake is placed the beaker not on
the flat place. Actually we need to place it on the flat place because we need to read it properly
and at the same time the position of eyes should be in the right position.
For the final result, the pipette is the most accurate compare to burette, measuring cylinder and
beaker. This is because pipette showed the nearest value to density of water (1.0 g/mL).
Conclusion :
From the experiment, it is shown that burette and measuring cylinder is more accurate laboratory
apparatus in measuring volume compare to pipette or beaker and each of these apparatus have
their own accuracy and precision.
Reference :
1. Brown, T. L. (2014). Chemistry : The Central Science (3rd ed.). Pearson Australia Group Pty
Ltd.
2. SKU3013 Chemistry I, Laboratory Manual.