Common Lab Equipment Uses

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an Erlenmeyer flask?

To mix, dissolve solids into solutions, and heat or cool solutions.

What is a beaker used for?

To mix chemicals, dissolve solids into solutions, heat or cool solutions, and measure liquid volume.

What does a Büchner flask do?

It acts as an adapter for a thick-walled flexible hose to form a connection for filtering.

Why are graduated cylinders used?

To accurately measure volumes of liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a volumetric flask?

To accurately prepare solutions. Signup and view all the answers

How are pipets used in a lab?

To measure or transfer liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a micropipet?

To transfer small volumes of liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dropper used for?

To draw in a liquid and expel it in drops. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main use of a buret?

To measure volumes of reagents accurately. Signup and view all the answers

What does a ring stand do?

Supports laboratory apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a test tube clamp used for?

To hold test tubes and other cylindrical pieces of equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the use of a test tube rack?

To hold test tubes upright. Signup and view all the answers

What are test tubes made for?

For mixing, heating, and storing small quantities of chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

What tools are used for cleaning test tubes?

Test tube brushes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a funnel in the lab?

To pour liquids into narrow-mouth containers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mortar and pestle used for?

To prepare ingredients by crushing and grinding them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a crucible?

To heat solid chemicals over a burner at high temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

How is a watch glass used?

To cover beakers, evaporate water, weigh chemicals, or observe samples. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Bunsen burner used for?

To provide heat for performing experiments. Signup and view all the answers

What do hot plates do?

Heat glassware or its contents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hot mitt?

An item used to grip and transfer hot glassware. Signup and view all the answers

What are goggles used for?

To protect eyes when handling chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

What does an analytical balance measure?

Mass of substances with high precision. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a thermometer?

To measure temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the use of a stopwatch in the lab?

To time events, such as reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a petri dish used for?

To hold specimens for observation and to grow cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What do rubber stoppers do?

Close containers to avoid spillage. Signup and view all the answers

A graduated cylinder is used to estimate volumes of liquids.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of forceps in a lab?

To grasp and hold objects. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ruler used for in a lab?

To measure distances and draw straight lines. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Lab Equipment and Their Uses

Beaker
- Used for mixing, heating, cooling solutions, and estimating liquid volumes in milliliters (mL); has poor accuracy.
Erlenmeyer Flask
- Ideal for mixing and swirling solutions with minimal loss; can be sealed with stoppers; graduated markings are not very precise.
Büchner Flask
- Thick-walled Erlenmeyer flask with a short glass tube for connection to flexible tubing; used in filtration processes.
Graduated Cylinder
- Provides accurate measurements of liquid volumes in mL; readings taken at eye level at the bottom of the meniscus.
Volumetric Flask
- Used for accurately preparing solutions; involves adding a solid to the bottom and filling with solvent to a designated mark.
Pipet (Pipette)
- For measuring or transferring liquids; Mohr pipets allow precise measurements with attachments like pipet pumps or bulbs.
Micropipet (Micropipette)
- Transfers small liquid volumes with precision; uses a plunger for liquid intake and dispensing; features disposable tips.
Dropper
- Glass tube with a rubber bulb for drawing in and expelling liquids in drops.
Buret (Burette)
- Highly accurate for measuring volumes; used in titrations to determine solution concentration via dispensing.
Ring Stand
- Metal support with a base for holding various lab apparatus; often used with clamps and rings.
Double Buret Clamp
- Attaches to a ring stand to hold two burets simultaneously.
Iron Ring
- Support ring for stabilizing glassware above a work area.
Test Tube Clamp
- Attaches to a ring stand to hold test tubes and similar cylindrical equipment.
Test Tube Rack
- Holds test tubes upright and helps with drying, made from wood, metal, or plastic.
Test Tube
- Narrow glass cylinder, closed on one end, for mixing and storing small amounts of chemicals; made from heat-resistant glass.
Test Tube Brush
- Used for cleaning test tubes and narrow mouth glassware.
Funnel
- For pouring liquids into narrow-mouth containers; Buchner funnels are specialized for filtering.
Mortar and Pestle
- Device for grinding and mixing substances into fine powders or pastes; mortar typically made of durable material.
Crucible and Cover
- Used for heating solid chemicals at high temperatures; made from heat-resistant ceramics.
Clay Triangle
- Supports crucibles during heating with a Bunsen burner.
Watch Glass
- Covers beakers, allows for evaporation of water, weighs solid chemicals, and observes samples.
Evaporating Dish
- Separates solids from solutions by evaporating water through heating.
Bunsen Burner
- Provides heat for experiments, connected to a gas line.
Hot Plate
- Heats glassware or contents; some models integrate magnetic stirrers for automated stirring.
Hot Mitt
- Used for handling and transferring hot glassware.
Wire Gauze
- Distributes heat from Bunsen burners to glassware; supports glassware during heating.
Test Tube Holder
- For holding and transporting hot test tubes.
Crucible Tongs
- Designed for handling hot crucibles.
Beaker Tongs
- For transporting hot beakers; features heat-resistant plastic coating.
Weigh Boat
- Open, often disposable container for weighing samples.
Scoopula (Metal Scoop)
- Transfers solids from one location to another.
Top-Loading Balance
- Measures substance mass accurately; not directly placed on pan; requires use of weigh boat.
Analytical Balance
- High precision balance sensitive to environmental factors; measures substances to 0.0001g.
Well Plate
- Flat plate with multiple wells, functions like small test tubes.
Forceps
- Hinged tool for grasping small objects; essential when fingers are too large.
Thermometer
- Measures temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit; commonly uses alcohol for measurement.
Ruler
- Metric ruler used for drawing straight lines and measuring distances in cm and inches.
Stirring Rod
- Stir mixtures and assists in pouring; typically made of glass.
Wash Bottle
- Stores and dispenses distilled or deionized water.
Goggles
- Essential for eye protection when handling chemicals; must fit securely to prevent splashes.
Apron
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) to shield clothing from spills.
Three-Prong Clamp
- Secures laboratory equipment on a ring stand.
Mohr Pipet
- Measures and delivers accurate liquid volumes; named after Karl Friedrich Mohr.
Graduated Pipet
- Disposable plastic pipet with graduated markings for exact volume measurements.
Thin Stem Pipet
- Disposable plastic pipet for transferring small liquid quantities, often one drop at a time.
Stopwatch
- For timing duration of experiments or reactions.
Centrifuge
- Rapidly rotating machine separates fluids of different densities.
Petri Dish
- Holds specimens for observation and culture growth.
Triangular File
- Used to score glass tubing for clean breaks.
Litmus Paper
- Red identifies bases, blue identifies acids.
Rubber Stoppers
- Close containers to prevent spillage; avoid heating when stoppers are in place.

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Description

This quiz explores various types of common lab equipment and their specific uses in scientific experiments. From beakers to Erlenmeyer flasks, you'll learn about their features, functions, and how to properly utilize them in the lab. Test your knowledge and improve your understanding of laboratory practices!