r/chemistry • u/TheOneWhoKnocks247 • 2d ago

Experimenting

I really like science, especially chemistry, but every time I do an experiment something really stupid goes wrong. I like planning before and doing the lab report afterwards, but I dont know why such stupid things like forgetting to turn on the heat plate go wrong. Do you guys have any tips on how to get better?

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11

u/crabpipe 2d ago

Making mistakes is the reason for experiments.

7

u/SpoonChem 2d ago

Assuming this is high school/University undergraduate level, before going to the lab highlight the necessary steps of the method/procedure with a highlighter. When you get to the part where it requires you to heat something, go ahead and turn on your hot plate.

Also it's worth summarising in your own words what you're doing before an experiment. If you have a fair idea what you're trying to achieve and understand heat is required you won't forget to turn on the hot plate.

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u/TheOneWhoKnocks247 2d ago

That is good advice! I only fear taking too long

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u/SpoonChem 2d ago

take as long as you need, you'll get faster naturally with practice

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u/LordMorio 2d ago

Make a checklist, either mentally or on paper, and stick to it. Don't assume you have remembered to do everything, but instead check every step in the reaction procedure or your checklist.

I work as an FSE in NMR, and do a lot of instrument maintenance. I know procedure by heart, and could do it in my sleep but I still follow the procedure and check off each item on my list to make sure I don't miss anything.

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u/enoughbskid 2d ago

There’s a reason pilots, doctors, and chemical plants use written checklist. I have our scientists us a written one, down to close valve A, open valve B. The costs for us making a mistake can be a lose of 4 days of preparation. (Don’t get me started on the guy that is too lazy to dry erase the list, and just ruined a large batch, that he made. He just hates having to follow rules)

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u/ProfBPem 17h ago

Chefs have recipes, pilots have checklists, musicians have set lists, directors have storyboards. They are all the same idea. Big complex ideas need some pre-written source to make sure you stay on task.