Today we’re finally going to get to play with some chemicals! WOO!
Although this does mean that a risk assessment needs to be completed and that we’ll need to learn a bit about the chemicals first.
Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO)
This chemical does come in a few different colours and looks and behaves similar to water, however you must not drink it and wash your hands if you come into contact with it. Dihydrogen monoxide: (https://www.dhmo.org/truth/Dihydrogen-Monoxide.html)
- is also known as hydric acid, and is the major component of acid rain.
- contributes to the Greenhouse Effect.
- may cause severe burns.
- contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.
- accelerates corrosion and rusting of many metals.
- may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes.
- has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients.
Equipment
- 3 Beakers with Blue, Yellow, Red DHMO
- 6 Test tubes
- 1 Measuring Cylinder, 50ml
- 1 Measuring Cyinder, 10ml
- 1 Marker texta
- 1 Test tube rack (under benches)
Method (EXACTLY follow step by step)
- Label your 6 test tubes from A-F and place in test tube rack
- Measure 17mL of RED DHMO from the beaker and pour into test tube A
- Measure 21mL of Yellow DHMO from the beaker and pour into test tube C
- Measure 22mL of Blue DHMO from the beaker and pour into test tube E
- Measure 5mL of DHMO from test tube A and pour into test tube B
- Measure 6mL of DHMO from test tube C and pour into test tube D
- Measure 8mL of DHMO from test tube E and pour into test tube F
- Measure 5mL of DHMO from test tube C and pour into test tube B
- Measure 4mL of DHMO from test tube E and pour into test tube D
- Measure 6mL of DHMO from test tube A and pour into test tube F
- Measure how much DHMO is in each test tube using the measuring cylinder
Discussion
- What happened if you correctly followed the steps in order?
- What would have happened if you skipped a step or performed them incorrectly?
- Why is it important to follow a method exactly as it is written in science?
- Think about more complex reactions involving multiple steps and multiple chemicals.
List 2 things that could go wrong if you don’t follow the steps properly - Why is it important to be careful using equipment when performing tests?