Chemistry Lab Manual


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The chemistry laboratories at Santa Monica College give students the opportunity to perform experiments that explore important chemical concepts and introduce proper lab techniques and safety.

This online lab manual was created by the chemistry faculty at SMC. Other institutions wishing to use our labs may do so provided that SMC is acknowledged and that the labs are not sold for profit.

Instructions

  1. Print out a copy of the Procedure and Lab Report (and Prelab Assignment for Chem 10, 11, 12) for each experiment and bring them with you to your scheduled lab period. Printable copies of these documents are available in the list below in PDF format for each experiment. Instructions on how to print these files may be found in the Chemistry Lab Manual Introduction.

  2. Bring all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) listed for each experiment to the lab with you.

  3. Carefully read the Procedure for each scheduled experiment or activity (AND complete the Prelab Assignment for Chem 10, 11, 12) before arriving for your weekly lab period. The Procedure includes background information to help you understand the important concepts relevant to each experiment and to help you complete the Prelab Assignment as well as step by step instructions on how to perform each experiment.

  4. The experiments listed below are not necessarily in the order that they will be performed in the lab. Each professor designs his/her own schedule for each semester. Please consult your syllabus for a schedule of experiments that you will be performing.

  5. Some professors may require additional work before you come to the lab. Please follow your own professor's instructions carefully.