Question detail
A small volume of concentrated alkali is spilled beside a balance during a practical. What should the student do first?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
A-level practical endorsement and required practical activities
Question
- A. A. Alert the teacher, keep others away and follow the laboratory spill procedure while wearing appropriate PPE.
- B. B. Wipe the alkali with a dry paper towel and continue weighing before the mass changes.
- C. C. Add acid directly from the stock bottle until the spill stops feeling slippery.
- D. D. Move the balance closer to the spill so the teacher can see the problem clearly.
Answer
A. Alert the teacher, keep others away and follow the laboratory spill procedure while wearing appropriate PPE.
Explanation
Safe working in practical contexts means stopping exposure before continuing the experiment. Concentrated alkali is corrosive, so the correct response is controlled reporting, isolation and the laboratory spill procedure. Dry wiping, uncontrolled neutralisation and moving equipment can spread contamination or create additional hazards.
Common mistake
Ignoring Safety Protocols
Students often overlook the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during practical experiments, which can lead to accidents or injuries.
Always follow safety guidelines by wearing gloves, goggles, and lab coats. For example, when handling acids, the rule is to wear gloves and goggles to protect skin and eyes. This ensures a safe working environment. Keep the correction anchored to A-level practical endorsement and the objective: Apply risk management and safe working in practical contexts.
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