What Do You Do in a College Chemistry Lab? The Six CHEM 111L Experiments

In a college chemistry lab, you follow procedures, make observations, collect measurements, calculate results, and explain what those results mean. You also learn lab safety and report your findings.

What is chemistry lab work?

Chemistry lab work is the practical investigation of chemical ideas. Depending on the course, you might measure a sample, observe a reaction, separate a mixture, or use data to identify an unknown substance.

The work does not end when the experiment does. You also organize data, perform calculations, consider whether the results make sense, and explain sources of uncertainty. A virtual lab uses a simulation for the experimental activity rather than asking you to manipulate physical materials.

What does chemistry lab include?

These six CHEM 111L experiments introduce different ways chemists gather and interpret evidence:

1. Mass, volume, and density: Measure mass and determine volume using dimensions or displacement. Calculate density as mass divided by volume, then use the result to help identify an unknown.
2. Avogadro’s number and the mole: Work with counting, molar mass, and samples to connect the mass of a substance with the number of particles it contains.
3. Empirical formula of zinc chloride: Weigh zinc, follow a reaction and evaporation sequence, and use mass data to determine the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in the compound.
4. Calorimetry: Examine heat changes involving calcium chloride and ammonium nitrate. Use measurements to calculate heat flow and consider heat loss.
5. Chromatography: Separate components of a mixture and compare their Rf values with known values to help identify an unknown. Rf is the distance a component travels divided by the distance traveled by the solvent front.
6. Titration curves using a pH probe: Examine pH data for hydrochloric acid and acetic acid, interpret titration curves, and determine pKa and concentrations from the data.

For a closer look at the tools used in physical labs, see the chemistry lab equipment guide.

How does an online chemistry lab work?

An online lab can guide you through a simulated experiment, from a pre-lab activity through data analysis and a report. It lets you practice interpreting experimental results, although using a simulation is different from handling equipment in person.

The table summarizes the Chemistry Lab course offered by UPI Study.

For each of the six labs, students read the directions, complete a virtual sequence, and submit the report exported from the simulation. A graded quiz follows each submitted report. Reports account for 70% of the overall grade and quizzes for 30%; missing a required component may result in failure of the class.

For more detail about the virtual format, read how an online chemistry lab works.

How do you write a chemistry lab report?

A chemistry lab report explains what you investigated, what you observed, and what your results mean. Follow the instructions and rubric for your particular lab rather than assuming every course uses the same format.

Typically, a report presents the purpose and method, recorded data, calculations, results, and a conclusion. Explain possible sources of error and how they could affect your result; do not change data to make an answer look better.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see how to write a chemistry lab report.

What should you not do in a chemistry lab?

Do not begin an in-person experiment before reading the procedure and understanding the safety instructions. Never taste chemicals, eat or drink at the bench, or mix substances outside the assigned procedure.

Wear the protective equipment your instructor specifies, and know how to report a spill or injury. Before starting, locate relevant emergency equipment, such as the eyewash station, safety shower, and exits; the most urgent equipment depends on the hazards and the situation.

Is chemistry lab hard?

Chemistry lab can be challenging if you are new to unit conversions, careful measurement, or explaining calculations. It becomes more manageable when you prepare before each experiment and record observations as you go.

For example, if a sample has a mass of 12 grams and a volume of 4 milliliters, its density is 3 grams per milliliter. Practicing calculations like this—and checking units—can help you focus on interpreting results.

Which colleges list Chemistry Lab on an equivalency chart?

These colleges show Chemistry Lab (CHEM 111L) on their equivalency charts with UPI Study. Open a college for its full chart.

See the rest of the equivalency on the Chemistry Lab course page, or open a college above for its full chart. ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chemistry Lab

Final Thoughts on Chemistry Lab

Start by reviewing the six experiment topics and identifying any calculations you want to practice. If you need a lab for a degree requirement, ask your college whether a virtual lab meets that specific requirement before enrolling.