CHEM 120 Week 1 Lab Report

Student Name

Chamberlain University

CHEM-120 Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry

Prof. Name

Date

OL Lab 1: Chemistry Safety and Atomic Structure: Assess the Possibility of Life on Other Planets

Learning Objectives

The goal of this laboratory exercise was to enhance our understanding of both chemical safety and atomic structure while applying these concepts to the assessment of potential life on other planets. Key objectives included identifying chemical hazards, responding appropriately to fire and chemical emergencies, and using CAS numbers for planning experiments. The lab also emphasized the importance of proper disposal techniques for halogenated and non-halogenated chemical waste, interpreting H and P phrases from safety data sheets, and correctly using a chemical fume hood.

From an atomic structure perspective, the objectives focused on explaining the nature of atoms, distinguishing the properties of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons), defining atomic number, atomic mass, and isotopes, and understanding the foundational principles of the quantum atomic model, including the four quantum numbers.

Dangers in the Laboratory

The Chemistry Safety component of the lab emphasized recognizing chemical hazards before conducting any experiment. Identifying these risks is critical to ensuring personal safety, protecting colleagues, and maintaining accuracy in experimental results.

Atoms and Subatomic Particles

Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter. Each atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The lab simulation reinforced the concept that modifying the number of electrons produces ions, which can be positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions). Understanding these variations is essential in predicting chemical reactivity and properties.

Identifying Elements from the Periodic Table

As part of the simulation exercise, participants were virtually transported to an exoplanet to collect samples, analyze their composition, and investigate whether the conditions could support life. The periodic table served as a critical tool for identifying elements and understanding their chemical behaviors.

Isotopes

The simulation demonstrated that isotopes are atoms of the same element that share the same number of protons but differ in neutron count. This distinction impacts atomic mass and stability, and is significant in fields such as radiology and chemical analysis.

The Quantum Model and Quantum Numbers

The final segment of the lab introduced the quantum mechanical model of the atom. Students learned about the four quantum numbers—principal (n), angular momentum (l), magnetic (m_l), and spin (m_s)—which describe the energy levels, shapes, and orientations of electron orbitals around the nucleus.

Part 1: Chemistry Safety

Question 1: Look up an MSDS of the chemical HCl. What are the major hazards and what precautions would you take when handling this chemical?
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation or ingestion can be fatal, and chronic exposure may erode teeth. It is also corrosive to metals. Safe handling includes wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, and performing experiments in a chemical fume hood to minimize exposure to harmful vapors.

Question 2: Why is proper waste disposal important in a lab setting?
Proper disposal prevents chemical accidents, environmental contamination, and exposure to hazardous substances. Following correct protocols ensures the safety of laboratory personnel and protects the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Question 3: Why is the proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) key to a safe lab experience?
PPE acts as a protective barrier against chemical exposure. Lab coats, gloves, and goggles reduce the risk of injury, ensuring that both individuals and colleagues remain safe during laboratory activities.

Part 2: Atomic Structure – Assessing the Possibility of Life on Other Planets

Question 1: Purpose
The purpose of this experiment was to explore the atomic structure of elements discovered on an exoplanet and evaluate whether these elements could support life. Understanding atomic properties, isotopes, and ions helps determine the chemical conditions necessary for potential biological processes.

Question 2: Observations

Question 3: Define the following terms in your own words

Question 4: Describe the three subatomic particles that make up atoms
Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus and determine the atom’s mass, while electrons orbit the nucleus and govern chemical interactions and electrical charge.

Question 5: You have an atom of carbon with a mass number of 14. Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Protons: 6 (carbon always has 6 protons)

• Neutrons: 8 (14 – 6 = 8)

• Electrons: 6 (neutral atom, electrons equal protons)

This represents a carbon isotope, as the standard atomic mass of carbon is 12.

Question 6: Reflection
The lab simulation reinforced several key concepts. Atoms consist of subatomic particles that determine mass, charge, and chemical behavior. Ions result from electron gain or loss, and isotopes differ in neutron number. By testing exoplanet rocks, the presence of carbon and water suggested that life could theoretically exist under favorable conditions.

In practical applications, understanding ions and isotopes is essential in medicine, particularly for radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, and pharmaceutical development. Chemical reactions underpin drug effectiveness, and isotope analysis is pivotal in both research and clinical settings.

Grading Rubric

References

Labster. (n.d.). Chemistry safety. Labster Simulation.

Labster. (n.d.). Atomic structure: Assess the possibility of life on other planets. Labster Simulation.

CHEM 120 Week 1 Lab Report

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2020). Hydrochloric acid: Chemical safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov