02. Preparation

Every week, two items are due: the Pre-lab reading/work for the current week's lab and the Results from the previous week's lab. The Pre-lab worksheet is always in the Preparation section and the Results worksheet is in the Results section of our Google site.

In order to prepare for the new lab each week, you should read the lab manual, and any reading assignment found in the Preparation section and complete the Prelab worksheet. We also highly recommend watching any YouTube videos that are referenced in the Preparation section for certain labs. You should print the Experimental section if you want a hard copy in the lab. You may also want to print the Results worksheet, so that you can work on it in lab if you have time.

Reading Assignment:

• • Description of this experiment—read Significant Figures, Background and Experimental sections below

  • Nuclear Chemistry—Gilbert et al.¹, Sec. 21.2, 21.8, 21.9

Highly recommended:
Watch and take notes from the following YouTube "Pre-lab Lectures" by Professor Mavros:
https://youtu.be/Gau8rDmeoAs
(Note: your instructor may use this as the only pre-lab content discussing the theory behind this lab.)

Significant Figures:

Significant figures is the number of digits reported, excluding zeroes to the left of the first nonzero number. When you report a measurement with correct significant figures, there will be some uncertainty in the last digit but the other digits are certain.

When uncertainty is known, use the following rules:

• 1. Round your uncertainty (e.g. your standard deviation) to one significant figure.

  2. Round your value to the same digit (i.e. 75.43 ± 0.02 are both rounded to the hundredths place).

• "Significant Figures Practice" found in attachments of Summary of Significant Figures and Uncertainty

Look over, and print if you think it will be helpful:

• • Appendix: Summary of Significant Figures and Uncertainty (just read 1st paragraph, "Significant Figures")

  • "Excel tips for chem lab" found below

HHMI Anti-Racism and Equity Module:

During the lab period we will be running a workshop to address microaggressions and group dynamics that negatively affect students’ experiences within the chemistry classroom and lab. This module will teach students about these topics and then collaboratively work to establish lab norms to create a community of mutual support, respect, and appreciation for the perspectives that each person brings to our shared work.

In preparation for the module, we would like all students to watch this video and answer the questions in the pre-lab assignment: