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Hello Sir.
I will be having my chemistry SPA next week. Is there anything that I should be looking out for? For example, experimental errors?
Thank you.
Best wishes,
Jennifer
Reply
Hi Jennifer,
I believe Chemistry Science Practical Assessment (SPA) has been designed to be slightly different from the Chemistry Practicals that we once had. The most significant difference is that 1) SPA breaks down 3-4 sessions that are examinable over the span of 2 years (sec 3/4), & 2) SPA is a more subjective way of testing a students practical skills in Chemistry, reason being your Chemistry teacher has a whole lot
of control over giving you the grades.
As SPA covers such an extensive topics, it would take me some time to cover all of them here. How about telling me more about the upcoming SPA that you have and specifically which topic/chapter will you be tested on?
Let’s start from there.
To your Academic Success In Chemistry,
Sean
Founder & Master Trainer
SimpleChemConcepts.com
Reply
Hello Sir,
The chapters I would be tested on are qualitative analysis and heat of reactions. Are there common experimental errors that I can quote for?
Thankyou!
Jennifer
Reply
Hi Jennifer,
For Heat of Raeactions, i am not sure what they will be testing you on, but one of
the easiest experiment is “To determine the effect of temperature on the reaction
between magnesium and hydrochloric acid”.
Common Safety points such as following must always be concluded/noted:
1) Proper handling of Bunsen burner (When not in use, turn down gas and change to luminous flame).
2) Goggles were worn.
Other potential MOE Checking Points are:
The stopwatch was started immediately when magnesium touched the acid in the boiling tube.
1) Measuring cylinder was used to measure the volume of hydrochloric acid.
2) Measuring cylinder was read at eye lvel.
3) Boiling tube was washed before use.
4) The temperature of acid was recorded with the thermometer bulb submerged completely in the acid.
5) The mixture was stirred gently and carefully with the thermometer throughout the experiment.
6) Air hole was closed when lighting the Bunsen burner.
7) The volume of hydrochloric acid was fully submerged in hot water.
9) The stopwatch was stopped when the reaction completed.
In SPA, what they really going to assess you on is how you conduct your experiment
and how much you can follow the procedures properly.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Sean
Reply
Hi Jennifer,
For the little tips and reminders for your SPA exam on Qualitative Analysis, please refer to my blogpost on the 10th May 08.
Hope you will find them useful to you.
To Your Academic Success in Chemistry,
Sean
Reply