Lab Safety Basics in Biology

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Questions and Answers

What is the base unit for measuring mass in the metric system?

Gram (correct)

Liter

Celsius

Meter

Which measuring device is commonly used for measuring volume in liters?

Thermometer

Graduated cylinder (correct)

Ruler

Electronic balance

Which prefix in the metric system represents one-thousandth of a unit?

Deci-

Milli- (correct)

Cent-

Kilo-

What is the standard base unit for measuring length in the metric system?

Meter Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid when measuring with a ruler to ensure accuracy?

Starting from the end of the ruler Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following prefixes indicates a quantity of ten?

Deca- Signup and view all the answers

Which temperature unit is commonly used in scientific measurements?

Degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit symbol for mass in the metric system?

g Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if chemicals splash onto your skin or into your eyes during a lab?

Use the safety shower or eyewash station and inform the instructor. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to know the location of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations before starting a lab?

In case of an emergency, quick access can be life-saving. Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should you take when handling chemicals in the lab?

Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves. Signup and view all the answers

How should sharp objects or biohazardous waste materials be disposed of in the lab?

Place them in puncture-resistant containers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to never eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory?

Contaminants can lead to serious health risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of biology as a field of study?

The systematic study of living phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of biologists?

To observe, ask questions, and design experiments to explain observations. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do immediately after a spill occurs in the laboratory?

Ask your instructor about the proper cleanup procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are unsure about any part of the laboratory investigation?

Ask your lab instructor for assistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a general laboratory safety guideline?

Use your phone for taking notes Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately if you break a glass item in the lab?

Notify the lab's instructor for a clean-up procedure Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to remove large jewelry and tie back long hair in the lab?

To reduce the risk of accidents during experiments Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with materials that have come into contact with biohazardous waste?

Dispose of them in the proper biohazardous waste container Signup and view all the answers

Which safety equipment should be worn when instructed during lab activities?

A lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles Signup and view all the answers

How should you prepare before arriving at the laboratory?

Read through the exercises to familiarize yourself with them Signup and view all the answers

What requirement must be fulfilled before handling laboratory equipment?

You must have specific permission from the lab instructor Signup and view all the answers

What instrument is most commonly used to measure mass?

Triple-beam balance Signup and view all the answers

How should the meniscus be read when measuring the volume of a liquid?

At the bottom of the curve of the meniscus Signup and view all the answers

Which method is appropriate for calculating the volume of a wooden block?

Length × width × depth Signup and view all the answers

What is the freezing point of water in Celsius?

0 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

When measuring with a ruler, how should you handle significant figures?

Record all known digits plus the first uncertain digit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of a graduated cylinder?

Measuring the volume of liquids Signup and view all the answers

What is a correct conversion formula between Celsius and Fahrenheit?

°F = °C × 1.8 + 32 Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a tool used for measuring weight or mass?

Graduated cylinder Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is considered independent in an experiment testing bacterial growth?

Temperature at which the experiment is conducted Signup and view all the answers

What is the dependent variable in the context of bacterial growth experiments?

The percentage of bacterial growth observed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be a controlled variable in an experiment on bacterial growth?

The amount of Substance A used Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the experiment could be altered to improve reliability of results?

Controlling other environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a control test, what is being measured?

The baseline growth without the experimental variable Signup and view all the answers

If you observe that the dish with the highest temperature had the least bacterial growth, what can be inferred?

Higher temperatures may inhibit bacterial growth Signup and view all the answers

During the experiment, why is it important to estimate bacterial growth as a percentage?

It allows for a standardized comparison between tests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about antibacterial agents is correct in an experimental context?

The effects of different agents can be compared only in a consistent experiment setup Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lab Safety

Students should familiarize themselves with lab safety rules and the location of safety equipment.
Before entering the lab, students must turn off their cell phones, tie back long hair, remove large jewelry, and wear appropriate attire (closed-toe shoes and lab coat).
Students must carefully read and follow all instructions provided by the instructor and seek clarification if needed.
Always use proper techniques and protection when handling chemicals, and ensure that any spills are reported to the instructor.
Students should always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling chemicals.
Never directly smell or mouth pipette any chemicals.
Dispose of all used sharp objects and biohazardous waste materials in designated containers.
Wash hands before and after lab investigations.
Be aware of the locations of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first-aid kits, safety showers, and eyewash stations.

Introduction to Biology and The Scientific Method

Biology involves observation, experimentation, and explanation of living phenomena.
Students are tasked with designing an experiment to explore the effects of antibacterial agents or temperature on bacterial growth.
Key steps in the scientific method include formulating a question, developing a hypothesis, identifying independent and dependent variables, and controlling variables.
The independent variable is the factor being manipulated or changed in the experiment, while the dependent variable is the outcome being measured.
Controlled variables are kept constant to ensure a fair comparison.

Scientific Measurements

The metric system is used for scientific measurements, using base units like meters for length, grams for weight/mass, and liters for volume.
Length is measured using rulers, focusing on precision and recording all known digits and the first uncertain digit.
Weight/mass is measured using balances, such as triple-beam balances or top-loading scales.
Liquid volume is measured using graduated cylinders or pipettes, reading the volume at the bottom of the meniscus.
Solid object volume can be calculated using formulas, for example, volume of a wooden block = length x width x depth.
Temperature is measured using scientific thermometers calibrated in Celsius (°C), with water boiling at 100 °C and freezing at 0 °C.
Formulas exist to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
When taking measurements, students should use significant figures, recording all known digits and the first uncertain digit.

Taking Measurements

Students are tasked with measuring the length and width of different geometric shapes using a metric ruler.
Measurements must be recorded using significant figures.
The area of the geometric shapes needs to be calculated using the measurements obtained, and the formula area = width x length.

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Description

This quiz covers essential lab safety rules and procedures every student should know before entering a biology lab. It emphasizes the importance of proper attire, usage of safety equipment, and correct handling of chemicals. Ensure you understand these practices to maintain a safe learning environment.