How should chemicals be organized in a laboratory?

Organizing chemicals in a laboratory by compatibility is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing hazardous reactions. Certain chemicals can react violently or release harmful gases when mixed, so storing incompatible chemicals separately minimizes the risk of accidental reactions. For example, acids should not be stored with bases, and oxidizers should be kept away from flammable materials. This method not only helps in ensuring a safer working environment but also streamlines the process of locating chemicals required for experiments.

While organizing chemicals by size, alphabetically, or by color may seem practical, these methods do not address the essential safety considerations that compatibility-based organization does. Size and color do not play a role in how chemicals interact with each other, and alphabetical organization, though useful for quick reference, could lead to dangerous situations if incompatible substances are stored near one another. Therefore, prioritizing compatibility is the best practice for chemical organization in a laboratory setting.