AN INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY EQUIPMENT By: Ms. Buroker Scott High School

A C HEMIST In any line of work, a professional is expected to know and understand how to use his or her “tools of the trade;” things are no different in a chemistry lab. This presentation will introduce you to the lab equipment you may be using during the duration of this course.

A RGUABLY … THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF “ EQUIPMENT ” YOU ’ LL USE IN LAB …

B EAKER Beakers are used for the containing or mixing of reagents. Beakers are NOT accurate; therefore, we don’t use beakers to measure amounts!!

B EAKER T ONGS Used in removing a beaker from a heat source, such as, a Bunsen Burner.

L AB T ONGS Can be used to pick up and/or hold many items … such as an evaporating dish or an Erlenmeyer flask.

B URET A buret is used to deliver solution in precisely-measured, variable volumes. Burets are used primarily for titration, to deliver one reactant until the precise end point of the reaction is reached. Buret Clamp

ERLENMEYER FLASK These flasks are typically used to mix chemicals and/or solutions … also not used for accuracy!

VOLUMETRIC FLASK They are used for preparing the exact volume of a sample solution and/or standard solution.

ROUND BOTTOM FLASK The round bottom flask is used as: reaction flask distilling flask collection flask

F LORENCE F LASK Also known as the “boiling flask,” the Florence Flask is designed for uniform heating and ease of swirling. Commonly used to store solutions.

GRADUATED CYLINDER Tall cylinder with a range of calibrated markings used for measuring the volumes of liquids in mL.

T EST T UBES A tube of glass, closed at one end, used to contain chemicals during heating or other reactions.

T EST T UBE R ACK A device used to safely support test tubes.

T EST T UBE C LAMP A device used to safely hold test tubes without having to use your bare hands … e.g., when heating the test tube.

T EST T UBE C LEANER Used to clean test tubes

SPATULA … SOMETIMES REFERED TO AS A “SCOOPULA” Used when obtaining dry chemicals from a stock container.

C RUCIBLE & L ID Made of porcelain and used to contain chemical compounds when heating them to very high temperatures.

C RUCIBLE T ONGS Designed to pick up and hold a crucible … especially when hot!!!

EVAPORATING DISH The evaporating dish is used for heating … usually when you want to evaporate a liquid from a chemical.

W ATCH G LASS Typically used as a “beaker cover,” but can also be used to evaporate the liquid from a chemical.

W IRE G AUZE WIRE GAUZE can be used to support a container (such as a beaker or flask) during heating. When the bunsen burner flame is beneath it, the wire gauze helps to spread the flame (and heat) out evenly over the container.

R ING S TAND Ring stands, used along with the appropriate clamp, are used to support and hold glassware in place during an experimental procedures.

C LAMPS Both are used to hold glassware in place on a ring stand. Ring Clamp Utility Clamp

CLAY TRIANGLE A clay triangle is used as a support such as when heating crucibles or holding a funnel during filtering.

B UNSEN B URNER The function of a Bunsen Burner is to heat substances. The burner can be regulated by changing the air and gas mixture Inlet Valve

P IPET Used in dispensing small amounts of liquids. Dropper Pipet Plastic Pipet

L AST, B UT N OT L EAST … FunnelForceps