Morning,
This is probably a really stupid question but... can you use tap water to make up solutions or does it have to be distilled water?
Thanks
Jodye
making solutions
Re: making solutions
i check with the teacher - or go by the rule of thumb 'if it is for a snr chemistry class then i use distilled water' or if they are doing PH stuff then i use distilled - otherwise tap is generally OK.
- Lis
- Posts: 362
- Joined: 01 Jun 2006, 10:00
- Job Title: Laboratory Technician
- School: Central Coast Grammar
- Suburb: Erina Heights
- State/Location: NSW
Re: making solutions
I always use tap water unless it is specified by the teachers
Re: making solutions
We only ever use distilled water. Our tap water here is very hard. If your tap water is rain water then it might be OK. Ours is bore, so full of minerals which I figure could upset some chemicals. Good to drink though, minerals and all.
Re: making solutions
I think it depends on your water quality.
I work at two schools, at one I use tap water and have no problems.
At the other I get all sort of interesting precpitates if I use tap water,
which is bore water, so I have to use ditilled water.
I work at two schools, at one I use tap water and have no problems.
At the other I get all sort of interesting precpitates if I use tap water,
which is bore water, so I have to use ditilled water.
-
- Posts: 1795
- Joined: 20 Mar 2007, 10:00
- Job Title: Lab Assistant
- Suburb: Tamworth
- State/Location: NSW
Re: making solutions
It also depends what chemicals you are making up. If you make silver nitrate it has to be distilled or it reacts with the chlorine (and probably other things) in the water. Perhaps make up some small amounts to test if they do the right things in the prac and if it works make a note that those chemicals at that concentration work with tap water.
- noona
- Posts: 900
- Joined: 11 May 2007, 10:00
- Job Title: Lab Tech
- School: Greystanes High School
- Suburb: Greystanes
- State/Location: NSW
Re: making solutions
Make sure you use DISTILLED WATER for Nitrates
I use water for the rest unless it is a prac exam then I use distilled water
I use water for the rest unless it is a prac exam then I use distilled water
Noona
Lab Manager
Greystanes High School
Beresford Rd
Greystanes 2145
8868 9113
ROSALIE.CASSAR@det.nsw.edu.au
Lab Manager
Greystanes High School
Beresford Rd
Greystanes 2145
8868 9113
ROSALIE.CASSAR@det.nsw.edu.au
Re: making solutions
Thanks guys. I appreciate the help.