Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best way for students to prepare before using chemicals in the laboratory?
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4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures
Laboratory Materials
Multiple Choice
You just dropped and broke a mercury-filled thermometer in the laboratory. What is the appropriate action to take?
A
Ignore the spill and continue with your experiment.
B
Sweep up the mercury and glass with a broom and dispose of them in the regular trash.
C
Clean up the mercury using paper towels and wash your hands afterwards.
D
Notify your instructor immediately and evacuate the area as instructed.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recognize that mercury is a toxic heavy metal and its spills require special handling due to health and environmental hazards.
Understand that mercury vapor can be harmful if inhaled, so immediate evacuation and notification of a responsible authority (such as an instructor) is necessary.
Avoid using common cleaning methods like sweeping with a broom or using paper towels, as these can spread mercury droplets and increase exposure risk.
Do not dispose of mercury-contaminated materials in regular trash because mercury requires special hazardous waste disposal procedures.
Follow laboratory safety protocols by notifying the instructor or safety personnel immediately and evacuating the area until proper cleanup can be performed.
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