Oxford University

1st Year Undergraduate Experiments in Physical Chemistry

X.4 An Introduction to Vacuum Techniques

Introduction to the Experiment || Location of the Experiment || Safety || Instructions

Introduction

In this experiment you will learn:

• to construct vacuum systems from standard components,

• the uses of different pressure gauges,

• how to locate leaks in vacuum apparatus,

• how to use gas cylinders safely,

• about pumping speed, and how pipes affect it,

• to use liquid nitrogen and freezing mixtures.

As part of the practical you will determine how the vapour pressure of a volatile solvent depends on temperature.

Location

Lower Teaching Laboratory (four sets of equipment)

Safety

When working with evacuated or partly-evacuated equipment you should always wear safety glasses because of the risk of implosion.

In the later stages of the experiment you will be working with liquid nitrogen. A spash of the liquid onto skin will do no damage, but liquid nitrogen can cause serious burns if it remains in contact with skin for more than a second or so. Be particularly careful to avoid spills onto clothing, since if clothing in contact with skin is soaked in the liquid burns are likely. Ask the technician for advice before starting work.

MSDS data for

• Ethanol
• Methanol
• Propanone

Instructions

Instructions for this experiment are provided in the 1st year Laboratory Manual. You may also download instructions in pdf format (13 pages, 345k, updated October 21, 2004).

Return to the Home Page for the practical course in physical chemistry, Oxford University.
Updated August 26, 2004.