Classifying chemicals has always been one of the most important and basic factors of chemistry. It creates a solid way to track which chemicals are being used, makes such usage safer, and allows one to proceed with relaying information of substances to others. But how are these chemicals classified? Using a singular test would be almost certainly inconclusive. What if they all have similar colors? The tests would be inconclusive and easy to mix up. Rather, it is best to perform many individual tests to create a compilation of answers directed towards the conclusion of forming a classification.

With this practicum, “Chemical Classification Practicum” one is able to safely and hopefully conclusively learn how scientists alike form a conclusion on labeling and classifying substances. First, the chemicals must be individually be labeled so as one isn’t to mix up which substances have already been tested. During the practicum, we labeled all substances using the Greek Alphabet, with “alpha” having a cross-bones as to know it is toxic.

Upon labeling the chemicals, we began testing each substance singularly. Starting with smell. Many of the chemicals had lighter smells making it harder to discern which ones contained which ingredients. Some had more sour extreme smells, almost like vinegar. While others had a more acidic smell similar to lemon.

After smelling each substance we moved onto touch, taste, and feel. Using these categories as a way to differentiate the chemicals, it became easier to discern and name each one. Some felt buttery while others were less smooth. The final test, adding cabbage juice to the chemicals made them even more discernible. Each substance drastically changed color, some turning green while others pink.

Though it was still difficult to completely discern what the chemicals were without outside knowledge, it became clear on how one is able to classify substances and why multiple tests are needed. One test would not be sufficient in labeling and understanding a chemical, as it would be biased based on a singular sense and person. With multiple tests and people, the ways of testing things became more clear and the answers more pronounced.