Some Tools of the Physical Scientist

Beaker Function: The primary function of a beaker is to hold and work with liquids. If graduated, it can serve to make approximate measurements of liquid volume. The beaker is made of specialized glass so it can be heated and cooled without breaking. This type of glass makes the beaker brittle and it must be handled carefully.

Balance (Triple Beam) Function: The function of a balance is to measure the mass objects. [NOTE: If the device is measuring an object using springs against gravity, the devise is correctly referred to as a scale and it's measurements are described as weight not mass.] A balance uses a comparison of a known substance or calibration with the unknown object to determine the unknown object's mass.

Balance (Digital) Function: The function of a balance is to measure the mass objects. [NOTE: If the device is measuring an object using springs against gravity, the devise is correctly referred to as a scale and it's measurements are described as weight not mass.] A balance uses a comparison of a known substance or calibration with the unknown object to determine the unknown object's mass.

Bunsen Burner Function: The function of a bunsen burner is to heat substances. The burner can be regulated by changing the air and gas mixture.

Erlenmeyer Flask Function: The function of a flask is to hold and store liquids. If graduated, it can serve to make approximate measurements of volume. This type of flask features a flat bottom, a conical body, and a cylindrical neck. It is named after the German chemist Emil Erlenmeyer, who created it in 1860. The tapered sides and narrow neck of this flask allow the contents of the flask to be mixed by swirling, without risk of spillage.

Eye Dropper Function: The function of an eyedropper is to transfer small quantities of liquids. They are usually glass tubes tapered to a narrow point, and fitted with a rubber bulb at the top.

Funnel Function: The function of a funnel is to channel liquid or fine-grained substances into containers with a small opening. Without a funnel, spillage would occur. There are many different kinds of funnels that have been adapted for specialized applications in the laboratory.

Graduated Cylinder Function: The function of a graduated cylinder is to make specific and accurate liquid volume measurements. The volume is read from the lowest portion of the meniscus of the liquid; that is, the lowest portion of the convex dip of the liquid as it sits in the graduated cylinder. Graduated cylinders are available in a number of sizes. 

Hot Plate Function: The function of hotplates are to heat substances. They are often used as an alternative to the bunsen burner. Some hotplates have a stirring mechanism as part of their design and allows for faster dissolving of some solids by heating and stirring at the same time. 

Metric Ruler Function: The function of a metric ruler is to measure the length or linear measurements of an object. The meter is the standard linear measurement of the International System of Measurement (SI). 

Overflow Can Function: The function of the overflow can is to measure the volume of an irregular object. The large sizes of overflow cans make them especially useful for experiments utilizing the Archimedes' Principle. The specially angled spout assures complete collection of displaced water thus providing greater accuracy in density, displacement, and specific gravity experiments. 

Ring Stand Function: The function of a ring stand is to provide support for other equipment and a means of raising equipment above the work surface. Often an iron ring is attached to a ring stand and is used to support laboratory equipment. Wire gauze is placed on top of the iron ring to support beakers and flasks when heating them. A clay triangle is placed on top of the iron ring to support a crucible when it is being heated.

Spring Scale Function: The function of a spring scale is to measure weight or force when an object is hung from its hook. It works by Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed to extend a spring is proportional to the distance that spring is extended from its rest position.

Stirring Rod (Glass) Function: The function of a stirring rod is to agitate liquids for speeding up reactions or improving mixtures. When placed across the top of a beaker so that it lies along the spout, stirring rods can help prevent the liquid being poured from dribbling down the outside of the container. 

Test Tube Function: The function of a test tube is to hold a small experiment, which would be used to conduct an investigation. The test tube is made of specialized glass so it can be heated and cooled without breaking. This same type of glass makes the test tube brittle and it must be handled carefully. 

Test Tube Clamp Function: The function of a test tube clamp is to hold a single test tube while heating the contents inside without actually touching the test tube itself. It is made from a thick piece of metal wire that is shaped into a spring-loaded clamp to securely hold a test tube.

Thermometer (Celsius) Function: The function of a thermometer is it to determine the temperature of a substance. Most laboratory thermometers are calibrated in the SI scale (degrees Celsius).

Tongs (Crucible) Function: The function of crucible tongs are to help when handling crucibles, evaporating dishes, and other hot objects.

Can you identify some of the physical scientist tools in the picture below?

Can you identify some of the physical scientist tools in the picture below?