Stemscopes Exam Science Safety and Lab Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do first if a chemical splashes in your eyes in the lab?
- Tell the teacher and wait
- Rinse eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes at the eyewash station (Correct answer)
- Wipe eyes with a paper towel
- Put on safety goggles after the fact
Correct answer: Rinse eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes at the eyewash station
Immediately flushing the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes at an eyewash station is the correct first response to a chemical eye splash.
Question 2: Which piece of lab equipment is used to measure the volume of a liquid accurately?
- Beaker
- Erlenmeyer flask
- Graduated cylinder (Correct answer)
- Test tube
Correct answer: Graduated cylinder
A graduated cylinder has precise volume markings and is used to accurately measure liquid volumes.
Question 3: What is the correct way to smell a chemical in the lab?
- Put your nose directly over the container
- Waft the vapors toward your nose with your hand (Correct answer)
- Take a deep breath over the container
- Smell only if no one is watching
Correct answer: Waft the vapors toward your nose with your hand
The wafting technique—gently fanning vapors toward the nose—prevents inhaling potentially harmful concentrated fumes.
Question 4: Why should you wear safety goggles during a lab experiment?
- They make you look professional
- They protect your eyes from chemical splashes and debris (Correct answer)
- They improve vision
- They are required by fashion standards
Correct answer: They protect your eyes from chemical splashes and debris
Safety goggles protect the eyes from chemical splashes, flying particles, and other hazards present in lab settings.
Question 5: What does the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provide information about?
- The cost of chemicals
- The history of a chemical compound
- Hazards, handling, and emergency procedures for a chemical (Correct answer)
- The chemical's smell and color only
Correct answer: Hazards, handling, and emergency procedures for a chemical
An MSDS (now called SDS) provides critical information about a chemical's hazards, safe handling procedures, and emergency response.
Question 6: What should you do with leftover chemicals after an experiment?
- Pour them down the drain
- Mix them together to neutralize
- Dispose of them according to teacher instructions (Correct answer)
- Keep them for the next experiment
Correct answer: Dispose of them according to teacher instructions
Chemical waste must be disposed of according to established safety procedures and teacher/school guidelines to protect people and the environment.
Stemscopes Exam Science Safety and Lab Skills 1
What should you do first if a chemical splashes in your eyes in the lab?