A frequent cause of burns is touching hot crucibles, iron rings, crucible covers, and pipe stems. Crucibles and covers are expensive and break easily. Have students transport the crucible and cover on a ceramic plate. Flush the magnesium sulfate down the drain or place it in the nonhazardous waste container. Improper technique in handling the crucible and cover may result in breakage.
Experimental error is comparable to experiments using barium chloride.
A typical student outcome is shown in the model data and calculations tables. The instructor should fill the pipets. Six to eight pipets can be filled simultaneously. A set of pipets can be used for ten or more lab experiments. This procedure prevents solution contamination and reduces lab time.