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 – Assessing the Possibility of Life on Other Planets

Learning Objectives

This laboratory session is designed to familiarize students with both safety protocols in a chemistry setting and the foundational concepts of atomic structure. Key goals include:

Recognizing chemical hazards and proper handling methods
Responding effectively to fire-related emergencies
Using CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers for experimental planning
Differentiating between halogenated and non-halogenated waste for proper disposal
Interpreting H (Hazard) and P (Precautionary) statements from safety data sheets
Correctly utilizing a chemical fume hood
Explaining the atom and its subatomic components: protons, neutrons, and electrons
Defining atomic number, atomic mass, and isotopes
Understanding the quantum model of the atom and the significance of quantum numbers

Chemistry Safety: Hazard Identification and Response

In the chemistry lab, the first step in conducting any experiment is recognizing and managing chemical hazards. Students must familiarize themselves with the properties and risks associated with each chemical, including corrosiveness, toxicity, and reactivity. Understanding these risks enables researchers to implement the correct safety procedures and respond promptly to emergencies.

Atomic Structure and Subatomic Particles

Atoms, the building blocks of matter, are composed of three primary subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. This lab simulation illustrates how changes in the number of electrons affect the overall charge of an atom. Students also explore how the configuration of these particles contributes to the element’s identity and behavior.

Exploring Elements and the Periodic Table

As part of the simulation, students are virtually transported to an exoplanet, where they collect and analyze rock samples. In the lab, these elements are compared with those in the periodic table to determine their composition and potential for supporting life. This portion emphasizes the relevance of chemical knowledge in extraterrestrial research.

Isotopes and the Quantum Model

Using the virtual holo-table, students examine isotopes—variants of elements with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Additionally, the lab introduces the quantum mechanical model, detailing the four quantum numbers essential to describing the position and energy of electrons within an atom.

CHEM 120 Week 1 Lab Report

Lab Activities and Responses

Part 1: Chemistry Safety Lab

Question	Answer
1. MSDS for HCl: Hazards and Precautions	Hydrochloric acid can cause severe burns to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and digestive system. It is potentially fatal if inhaled or ingested. Prolonged exposure may lead to dental erosion and it is highly corrosive to metals. Appropriate precautions include wearing PPE, using in a fume hood, and avoiding inhalation and direct contact.
2. Importance of Waste Disposal	Proper chemical waste management prevents accidental exposure, contamination, and environmental harm. It ensures a safe lab environment and compliance with regulatory standards.
3. Importance of PPE Usage	Correct use of PPE—such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats—minimizes the risk of injury or contamination. It ensures both personal and communal safety in the lab.

Part 2: Atomic Structure Simulation – Life on Other Planets

1. Purpose The goal of this simulation is to explore atomic structure and use that knowledge to determine the potential for life on an exoplanet. Students analyze samples to identify elemental composition and chemical reactivity, leading to conclusions about the planet’s ability to sustain life.

2. Observations

Observation	Description
I	Rocks collected displayed varying colors and compositions, indicating diverse chemical properties.
II	A reaction with a gray/white rock produced evidence of carbon, suggesting organic potential.
III	Differences in ion types revealed the relationship between electron loss or gain and atomic charge—anions gain electrons (negative), while cations lose them (positive).

3. Terminology

Term	Explanation
Ion	An atom or molecule with an unequal number of protons and electrons, resulting in a net charge.
Isotope	Atoms of the same element that contain the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons.

4. Subatomic Particles of an Atom

Particle	Location	Description
Protons	Inside the nucleus	Positively charged and contribute to atomic mass.
Neutrons	Inside the nucleus	Neutrally charged and also add to atomic mass.
Electrons	Orbiting the nucleus	Negatively charged and influence chemical reactivity and bonding.

5. Carbon-14 Atom Composition

Subatomic Particle	Quantity
Protons	6
Neutrons	8 (14 – 6)
Electrons	6 (equal to protons in a neutral atom)

6. Reflection

This lab offered insights into atomic structure, ions, isotopes, and chemical interactions—essential concepts for understanding matter. By simulating the detection of carbon on another planet, it reinforced the real-world application of chemistry in space exploration and environmental analysis. The discovery of carbon, indicative of life-supporting elements like CO₂ and H₂O, highlighted the interconnectedness of chemistry and biology. In professional fields such as pharmacology and radiology, this knowledge is critical for understanding molecular interactions and treatment mechanisms, particularly those involving radioactive isotopes or complex medications.

Grading Rubric

Part	Description	Points
I	Completion of Chemistry Safety Simulation	10
II	Completion of Atomic Structure Simulation	10
III	Lab Report and Questions	15
	– Purpose	1
	– Observations	3
	– Questions	6
	– Reflection	5
Total	All Activities	35

References

Labster. (n.d.). Chemistry Safety Simulation. Labster Virtual Labs. Labster. (n.d.). Atomic Structure: Assess the Possibility of Life on Other Planets. Labster Virtual Labs. National Institutes of Health. (2021). Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Guidelines. https://www.nih.gov/