Lab Skills Exam Review

What is the function of a microscope in biology?

Magnifies small objects, such as cells, for observation.

What do glass slides and coverslips do?

Holds and protects specimens for viewing under a microscope.

What is the purpose of a Petri dish?

Used to culture microorganisms or hold small specimens.

What tools are included in a dissection kit?

Scalpel, tweezers, and scissors for dissecting specimens.

What does a pipette do?

Transfers small amounts of liquid accurately.

What is the function of a magnifying glass?

Provides basic magnification for examining small objects.

What is a beaker used for in chemistry?

Holds, mixes, and heats liquids (not for precise measurements).

How does a graduated cylinder function?

Measures liquid volumes accurately.

What is the purpose of a test tube?

Holds small amounts of liquids for reactions or heating.

What is the use of a test tube rack?

Holds test tubes upright for safety and convenience.

How does a Bunsen burner function?

Provides a heat source for experiments.

What is the role of an Erlenmeyer flask?

Holds liquids, especially useful for mixing without spilling.

What is a crucible used for?

Used to heat substances to very high temperatures.

What do beaker/tube tongs do?

Safely holds hot equipment like beakers, flasks, or crucibles.

What is the function of a glass stirring rod?

Mixes solutions or liquids in a beaker or flask.

What does a funnel do?

Helps pour liquids into narrow openings without spilling.

What is an evaporating dish used for?

Holds liquids for evaporation to leave behind solids or concentrate solutions.

What does a wash bottle dispense?

Dispenses distilled water for rinsing glassware or adding water to reactions.

How does a thermometer function in a lab?

Measures the temperature of liquids, solutions, or gases.

What does pH paper test for?

Tests the acidity or basicity of solutions.

What is the purpose of a spatula/scoopula?

Transfers small quantities of solids or powders.

What is the function of a mortar and pestle?

Grinds solids into powders.

What is litmus paper used for?

Indicates the acidity or basicity of solutions quickly.

How does pH paper work?

Changes color to indicate the pH value, compared to a chart.

What is the purpose of using a pH meter?

Measures pH precisely and requires calibration before use.

What does universal indicator solution do?

Changes color to reflect pH when added to a solution.

What are natural indicators?

Extracted from natural sources and change color in acids/bases.

What is titration used for?

Measures the amount of acid/base needed to neutralize a solution.

What is the range of the pH scale?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.

What defines an acidic solution?

pH less than 7.

What defines a neutral solution?

pH equal to 7.

What defines a basic solution?

pH greater than 7.

What are some examples of strong acids?

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

What is a weak acid?

An acid that partially ionizes in water, producing fewer hydrogen ions.

What are some examples of weak acids?

Acetic acid (vinegar), citric acid.

What defines a strong base?

Fully dissociates in water, producing a high concentration of hydroxide ions.

What are some examples of strong bases?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH).

What is a weak base?

Partially dissociates in water, producing fewer hydroxide ions.

What are some examples of weak bases?

Ammonia (NH₃), baking soda (NaHCO₃).

What is the difference between concentration and strength in solutions?

Concentration refers to the amount of solute dissolved, while strength refers to how completely a substance ionizes.

What indicates a color change as a chemical change?

A new substance is formed, indicating a chemical reaction has occurred.

What is an example of gas production as a chemical change?

Baking soda and vinegar producing carbon dioxide gas.

What does the formation of a precipitate indicate?

A chemical change occurs as a solid forms from a reaction between two solutions.

What does a change in temperature indicate in a chemical reaction?

Energy is released or absorbed, hinting at a chemical change.

What is an example of light production as a chemical change?

Combustion reactions often emit light, seen in fireworks.

What does odor change indicate in a chemical reaction?

A new smell indicates a chemical change due to the release of gaseous products.

What does sound production indicate about a chemical reaction?

Certain reactions might produce sound due to energy release.

What is an ionic compound?

Formed between metals and nonmetals by electron transfer, producing ions.

How do ionic compounds behave electrically?

Conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted.

What defines a covalent compound?

Formed between nonmetals by sharing electrons, resulting in molecules.

How do covalent compounds behave electrically?

Generally do not conduct electricity due to lack of charged particles.

What is the role of the ocular lens in a microscope?

Magnifies the specimen 10 times.

What does the stage of a microscope do?

Supports the slide and has an opening for light to pass through.

What is the purpose of the diaphragm in a microscope?

Controls the amount of light reaching the specimen.

What kind of image does a plane mirror produce?

Virtual, upright, and same size as the object.

What is the focal point in relation to a concave mirror?

The point where light rays converge after reflection.

What is the image produced by a convex mirror?

Always virtual, upright, and diminished.

What is the definition of refraction?

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.

What happens to light rays entering a denser medium?

They slow down and bend towards the normal.

What is Snell's Law?

Describes the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction for light.

What does a convex lens do to light?

Focuses light to a point.

What are the characteristics of images in concave mirrors when the object is within the focal point?

Image is upright and magnified, virtual.

What are the characteristics of images in convex mirrors?

Always diminished, upright, and virtual.

What is the significance of the normal line in refraction?

It is the imaginary line perpendicular to the surface where light refracts.

At what point does light rays converge when passing through a lens?

At the focal point.

What type of image is formed when the object is beyond 2F in concave mirrors?

Diminished, inverted, real image.

What key features make up an optical bench setup?

Optical bench, light source, lenses, mirrors, screens, supports.

What should you always do before moving a microscope?

Turn off the microscope.

What is the primary role of the liver in frog anatomy?

Produces bile for digestion and detoxification.

What is a critical practice in scientific drawing?

Maintain accuracy, neatness, and clear labeling.

What distinguishes a plant cell from an animal cell?

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

Synthesize proteins.

What is the function of a frog's kidneys?

Filter waste from the blood and help maintain water balance.

What process allows frogs to absorb oxygen through their skin?

Gas exchange.

What is the purpose of forceps in dissection?

Grasping and holding delicate tissues.

What should be done to the workspace post-dissection?

Wipe down with disinfectant.