AN INTRODUCTION

TO LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

By: Ms. Buroker

Scott High School

A CHEMIST

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.

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

BEAKERBeakers are used for the containing

or mixing of reagents. Beakers are NOT accurate;

therefore, we don’t use beakers

to measure amounts!!

BEAKER TONGS

Used in removing a beaker from

a heat source, such

as, a Bunsen Burner.

LAB TONGSCan be used to

pick up and/or hold many items … such as an evaporating dish or an Erlenmeyer flask.

BURET 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 FLASKThese 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

FLORENCE FLASK

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.

TEST TUBES

A tube of glass, closed at one end, used to

contain chemicals during heating or other

reactions.

TEST TUBE RACK

A device used to safely

support test tubes.

TEST TUBE CLAMP A device used

to safely hold test tubes without having to use your bare hands … e.g., when heating the test tube.

TEST TUBE CLEANER

Used to clean test

tubes

SPATULA … SOMETIMES REFERED TO AS A “SCOOPULA”

Used when obtaining dry chemicals from a stock container.

CRUCIBLE & LID

Made of porcelain and used to

contain chemical compounds when heating them to

very high temperatures.

CRUCIBLE TONGS

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.

WATCH GLASS Typically used

as a “beaker cover,” but can also be used to evaporate the liquid from a

chemical.

WIRE GAUZE 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.

RING STAND Ring stands, used along with the appropriate clamp, are used to support and hold glassware in place during an experimental procedures.

 

CLAMPS

Both are used to hold glassware in place on a ring stand.

Ring ClampUtility Clamp

CLAY TRIANGLE

A clay triangle is used as a

support such as when heating crucibles or

holding a funnel during filtering.

BUNSEN BURNER The function of

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

Inlet Valve

PIPET

Used in dispensing small amounts of liquids.

Dropper Pipet

Plastic Pipet

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST …

Funnel Forceps