Laboratory operations are the totality of procedures made useful in chemistry, biology, physics, and other natural sciences in conducting an experiment. They all follow the scientific method. Furthermore, some laboratory operations involve the use of various laboratory equipments from laboratory glassware to electrical devices. Others, however, need not these supplies for such operations to be carried out effectively.

There are a lot of laboratory operations, ranging from simple to complicated ones. Though the level of complexity differs among a collection of laboratory operations, all laboratory operations share the common feature of having to be done carefully and attentively in order to achieve desired goals and to bring about success to the ongoing experiment being carried out, either by an individual or a group.

Here are some common laboratory operations:

Cleaning the Laboratory

The term “clean laboratory” must be redundant since any area couldn’t actually be considered a laboratory if it is messy. Tidiness of the laboratory entails safety – no chemical spills or bits of broken glassware that may cause harm. Cleaning the laboratory, before and after conducting experiments, is a must and so is following the rules and guidelines in doing so. For instance, it is important to ask for assistance when uncertain of the nature of a spilt substance.

Measuring and Estimating Liquid Volumes

Laboratory apparatuses such as graduated cylinders, burets, and pipets are all commonly used to measure liquids. A liquid’s surface is noticeably curved. This curve is referred to as the meniscus. Using the bottom of the meniscus in taking a reading is the common practice for most liquids. It is important to have the meniscus at eye level because, if otherwise, the reading will not be accurate.

Transferring Liquids

One technique, which also helps prevent spills, is pouring the liquid down a glass rod. Moreover, it is not advisable to attempt liquid transfer of small amounts, say seven milliliters, from wide-necked Winchester bottle to a ten-milliliter graduated cylinder. It is helpful to use a pipet in transferring the liquid.

Heating Liquids

There are several heating apparatuses found in the laboratory. There’s the Bunsen burner and alcohol lamp, to mention a couple. The liquid may also be contained, during the heating process, in several glassware apparatuses such as the beaker and test tube. When heating a liquid contained in a test tube, the glassware should be tilted in a 45-degree angle, with the open point of the tube not pointing to a person. Heat first the upper portion of the liquid, then, slowly move it back and forth from the flame. Heating other glassware, such as a beaker, needs a tripod and wire gauze or other set-up to place it into. The length of time in heating the liquid must be according to what is being directed, else the water boils too much or the glassware breaks – either way would be harmful for everyone in the lab.

    Precipitation

Precipitation is defined as the formation of a solid in a solution during the occurrence of a chemical reaction. When this happens, the solid formed is called the precipitate, and the liquid remaining above is called the supernate. The process serves several purposes such as making pigments, removing salts from water in water treatment, classical qualitative inorganic analysis, and the like. Precipitation explains atmospheric occurrences such as rain, sleet, hail, and snow. These occurrences are helpful for individuals to understand the depths of the process. Observable phenomena always prove to be an effective way of learning. Assuming that knowledge about the process is out of the question, focus and attention in carrying out tasks still have to be observed. Furthermore, it is important in precipitation to make sure that there is no excess in the amount of substances being added to the system. The amount of substances should be in exact proportions, just as directed.

Filtration

Filtration is a technique used either to isolate an organic solid or to remove impurities from an organic solution. The two commonly used types of filtration are gravity and vacuum filtrations. The former is best for removing impurities from a solution, and the latter is the choice of filtration when collecting a desired solid. In a gravity filtration, proper folding of the filter paper must be observed. Also, it is advisable to wet the filter paper with a few drops of the solvent to be used in the filtration process. Wetting the paper would hold it in place against the glass funnel. Pour the mixture to be filtered in proportions, if necessary. On the other hand, vacuum filtration uses either a Buchner or a Hirsch funnel. In assembling the apparatus, it is important to check the side arm flask carefully to make sure that there are no cracks that may lead to unwanted breakage of the flask during the application of vacuum.

Decantation

Decantation is a very quick method used for separating a mixture of a liquid and a heavier solid. In separating a mixture of water and sand, for example; first, allow the solid to settle at the bottom, then, pour off the water. More often than not, a small amount of solution is left in the container. Thus, it is important to carry out the operation carefully in order to prevent a small amount of precipitate from flowing out of the container together with the liquid. The limitations of decantation also need to be observed. This process could not be applied in the mixture of water and a very light solid such as water-chalk mixture. Chalk is very light that it does not settle at the bottom even after a long period of time.

Evaporation

Evaporation, as we all know, is the process of changing liquid to gas. Sometimes, a liquid might be sitting in one corner and, before you know it, its molecules have become like that of a gas. To carry out this operation properly, it is important to understand the mechanism of such process. Evaporation is all about the energy in individual molecules, not of the average energy of a system. Evaporation generally happens when atoms or molecules escapes or leaves the liquid, turning themselves into vapor. This occurs because of the varying energy levels of molecules. Therefore, evaporation can take place when the temperature is low. Liquids can thereby evaporate both at room temperature and normal air pressure.

Waste Disposal

This laboratory operation supports the notion that cleanliness of the laboratory is an absolute must. Just like cleaning, proper waste disposal and storage is also a key element of health and safety. Proper disposal of waste includes in itself the proper labeling, segregating, and storing of waste. This laboratory operation should not be taken for granted since every operation is learned not only to perfect experiments but also to maintain a healthy lab environment while on the course of discovering.

These laboratory operations being presented – there are a lot more of them – are all made useful in conducting laboratory experiments. The procedures and materials needed for each operation may vary. However, the same focus and attention must be given to every operation in order, once again, to meet desired goals and carry out an experiment successfully.

Knowing some laboratory operations and a few guidelines in doing them is helpful for science-inclined individuals such as students enrolled in science classes and do experiments every now and then since common laboratory operations are foundations which guide future experimentations.