Unit 1: Chemistry Basics1.5 Lab equipment

BeakerBeakers hold solids or liquids that

• will not release gases when reacted

Or

• will not splatter if stirred or heated

Erlenmeyer Flask

Erlenmeyer flasks hold solids or liquids that may:

• Release gases during a reaction

Or

• Likely to splatter if stirred or heated

Narrow opening

Graduated Cylinder

A graduated cylinder is used to measure volumes of liquids.

Volumetric Flask

• Volumetric flasks are calibrated to contain a precise volume.

• They are more accurate than a graduated cylinder.

• Best tool for precise dilutions and preparation stock solutions.

• Draw back: Only can measure ONE volume accurately (as printed on flask)

Test Tubes13 x 100 mm test tubes

10 x 75 mm test tubes

Ignitiontube

Test Tube Holder

A test tube holder is useful for holding a test tube which is too hot to handle.

Test Tube Racks

Test tube racks are for: • Holding

and

• Organizing test tubes

Rubber Stoppers

Rubber stoppers are used to close containers to avoid spillage or contamination.NOTE: Containers should never be heated when there is a stopper in place.

Spot Well Plates

Spot Well plates are used when we want to perform many small scale reactions at one time.

Watch Glass

• A watch glass is used to hold a small amount of solid, such as the product of a reaction.

• Also useful if solid needs to dry in drying oven.

Glass Stir Rod

• A glass rod is used to manually stir solutions.

• It can also be used to decant a solution from a beaker without spilling.

• Liquid flows down glass stir rod

Rubber Policeman

• Glass sir rod with rubber end attached

• When we need to keep the solid- Used to scrap out solids from container

• Can be flipped over to use end as glass stir rod

• Note: don’t “stir” with rubber end- It breaks or cracks the rubber end

disposable plastic Transfer Pipettes (or pipet)

• Transfer pipette is used to transfer a small volume of liquid (less than 1 mL).

• Allows control for you to add drop by drop.

• Can use with graduated cylinder to get an exact volume

On top of each transfer pipette is a “ bulb”

Forceps

Forceps (or tweezers) are used to pick up small objects.

Funnel

A funnel is used to aid in the transfer of liquid from one vessel to another.

Pipette (or spelled pipet) (sometimes spelled pipet)

• A pipette measures and delivers exact volumes of liquids.

• Can be plastic or glass

Pipette Pump (or pipet pump)

• Works with pipette.

• Pipette Pump draws up or “sucks” up liquid into pipette.

• When release button is pushed will deliver or “empties” liquid from pipette into desire container.

Wash Bottle

• A wash bottle has a spout that delivers a wash solution to a specific area.

• Distilled water is the only liquid that should be used in a wash bottle.

Weigh Boat• Weigh boats are

used to weigh solids on a balance.

• This keeps the balance pan from being contaminated with chemicals.

• If you “flex” or bend the weigh boat it can be used to transfer measure chemicals to another container.

Spatulas

Spatulas are used to dispense solid chemicals from their containers.

Chemicals should never be transferred with your bare hands.

And Scoopulas

Beaker Tongs

Beaker tongs are used to move beakers containing hot liquids

Bunsen Burner

Bunsen burners are used for the heating of nonvolatile liquids and solids.

Strikers

Strikers are used to light Bunsen burners.

The flints on strikers are expensive. Do not operate the striker repeatedly just to see the sparks!

Evaporating Dish

• The evaporating dish is used for the heating of stable solid compounds and elements.

• Evaporating off liquids in solution to leave solute behind.

Crucible• Crucibles are used for

heating certain solids, particularly metals, to very high temperatures.

• Using the crucible lid helps make the temperature inside crucible even higher.

Clay Triangle

The clay triangle is used as a support for porcelein crucibles when being heated over a Bunsen burner.

Crucible Tongs

For handling hot crucibles; also used to pick up other hot objects. NOT to be used for picking up beakers!

Ring stands and their Components

Ring stands are a safe and convenient way to perform reactions that require heating using a Bunsen burner.

Ring stands and their ComponentsIron Rings

Iron rings connect to a ring stand and provide a stable, elevated platform for the reaction.

Ring stands and their Components

Utility ClampsUtility clamps are used to secure test tubes, distillation columns, and burets to the ring stand.

and 3 Prong test tube Clamps

Ring stands and their Components

Double Burette ClampsDouble Burette (also buret) clamps are used to burettes – long graduated tubes used in titration.

Ring stands and their ComponentsWire Gauze

• Glassware should not be heated with a direct flame. 

• Wire gauze, when placed between glassware and a heat source, diffuses the heat somewhat and is therefore safer than a direct flame.

• Wire gauze works best when the glassware has a flat bottom (Ex. beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks)