Sludge+Test+Packet

Welcome to the Sludge Test. This test will require the direct application of lab skills and analysis that has been the key to this course. This series of experiments and a clearly written report of your work comprise your test for Chapter 5. It is a 500 point grade
 * SLUDGE TEST **

**Schedule Information:** March 5-6 Sludge test begins.-Lab teams develop a basic plan (flow chart) for the test using the Inspiration and the laptops. March 16, 2010 No more laboratory work. March 19, 2010 Sludge reports due.
 * Students will be given sludge mixtures only after the flow charts are approved.**

**Rules and Guidelines:** Each team will be given only a small bottle of solution. Keep it safe. Measure out only the amounts you need to conduct each experiment and put the rest away in a safe location. The sludge recipes are different; each has **5** ingredients.
 * 1) **The Sludge**

Each team must keep data in their notebook for each experiment. During the sludge test, I will check notebooks to make sure each team is recording all data and procedures. Homework for each night should include writing out procedures for the next day's lab work. You may not perform any procedure unless it has been written out first (though you may refer to procedures already written in your lab book by page number). Remember to keep data tables neat and organized. Label all data tables and graphs; use correct units. Show calculations. All of this will help you when you write your lab report.
 * 1) **Lab Notebook and Data**

If you or your partner is absent, you must decide if you should move forward or repeat a portion of your work to verify what you've done. Make a plan with your lab partner for the following day with this possibility in mind.
 * 1) **Absences**

Each team is to work on their own, at their own pace, based on the original flow chart. Do not rush, but work efficiently and plan to use your time wisely.
 * 1) **Work Pace**

The only items that are to be kept in your shoebox are your solution, and samples of what you’ve separated and collected. Your box is to be clearly labeled. Any unlabeled substances will be discarded. Thermometers, burners and burner stands, rubber tubing and glass bends are ** not ** to be kept IN YOUR BOX. I will remove any of these items that are IN YOUR BOX at the end of the day. "Clean-up" will be counted in your overall grade.
 * 1) **Equipment Use and Clean Up**

All normal safety precautions are to be used during this lab exam. Please review the safety rules. All heating of volatile or potentially volatile substances should be done under the fume hood. Students not wearing goggles or in need of constant reminders about safety will be asked to leave. Points will be deducted from your sludge score for safety violations.
 * 1) **Safety**

Each team is to hand in a lab report, due on March 10. This is to be a typed, formal report. I suggest you begin your write-up early. While you are still experimenting, data charts of those experiments which have been performed can be entered into your computer. You do not need to include procedures in your formal write-up. Your flow chart will serve as an outline of your procedures and the actual procedures will be checked in your lab book. Your report should include the following sections:
 * 1) **Lab Reports**


 * Introduction**. Include a clear purpose and summary (abstract) of what was accomplished in this series of experiments. The summary should be no more than a paragraph or two describing the essence of the lab and the results. You should give examples of separation and identification techniques used, but do not go into detail.


 * Flow chart** with list of tests.


 * Data Tables**. Always use proper units. Show calculations. Summary data chart on the original sludge. Include characteristic properties of the filtrate and filtride. Separate data charts for the pure substances. You MUST have THREE characteristic properties to determine what a substance is. Include:

Density (two trials, minimum of 8.0 cm3 if possible) Flammability Boiling Points (include time intervals, temps with units) Boiling Graphs (proper titles, axes labeled, units) Solubility Other (qualitative information, e.g. color, odor)


 * 1) **Conclusion**. Follow the basic format we have been using. Include background information on such important concepts as characteristic properties and mixtures vs. pure substances. Identify the pure substances, and then support your reasons for your identifications. Include a discussion of possible errors and problems, but make sure this relates directly to your experiments and the reliability of your results. Include any follow up questions and issues, e.g. experiments which could not be performed but which would have strengthened your conclusions. This section should be in narrative form. Keep it objective and scientific (avoid the use of pronouns, for example and remember that this is a formal lab -- no slang, etc). A strong discussion section is important. Concisely state the identities of your substances and how confident you are based on your data and discussion. No more than 2 to 3 sentences per substance.

** No lab team is to assist or interfere with the work of another lab team at any time. No lab team is to remove any item from another team's box...or place any items in another team's box. If there is equipment needed or if there is any item missing from or added to your board, tell me. **
 * Good Luck!! **