Lab Equipment

Question 1

Beaker tongs

Answer 1

Beaker tongs are used to safely move a beaker, especially when a beaker is hot. They fit securely around a beaker in order to move it without touching it.

Question 2

Flint striker

Answer 2

A flint striker is used to produce a spark in order to light a Bunsen burner.

Question 3

Crucible tongs

Answer 3

These metal tongs are specially shaped to hold and move very hot porcelain crucibles. The crucible can be pinched with the end or carried in the diamond shape in the middle.

Question 4

Crucible

Answer 4

The crucible is used to heat up solid chemicals such as magnesium to very high temperatures so that they will combust. Caution must be used when working with a crucible because they look the same when they are extremely hot or at room temperature.

Question 5

Buret clamp

Answer 5

A buret clamp is a metal or plastic device that attaches a buret to a ring stand for support. Often these clamps can hold two burets at once.

Question 6

Pipet

Answer 6

Pipettes are used to measure out accurate amounts of solutions and transfer them from one container to another. They come in a variety of volumes and types.

Question 7

Graduated cylinder

Answer 7

A graduated cylinder is a tall and narrow glass or plastic container that has many measurements, or graduations, on the side. It is used, much like a pipette, to accurately measure out accurate amounts of solutions.

Question 8

Test tube

Answer 8

A test tube holds a small amount of liquid chemical to be tested, heated, or observed. NOTE: When heating a chemical in a test tube it should NEVER be aimed at anyone.

Question 9

Thermometer

Answer 9

A thermometer is a tool for measuring temperature or average kinetic energy. Thermometers once were filled with mercury (silver colored) but now contain alcohol (red) due to the health hazards of mercury.

Question 10

Stirring rod

Answer 10

A stirring rod is used to stir solutions in order to mix or dissolve chemicals. It can also be used to place one drop of a solution on pH paper and to assist in pouring chemicals.

Question 11

Weigh boat

Answer 11

A weigh boat is used to hold and transfer small amounts of solid chemicals. When you collect the mass of a chemical on an electronic balance it should be in a weigh boat to prevent contamination.

Question 12

Wire mesh

Answer 12

Wire mesh with a ceramic center which is used as a platform for a beaker to be heated over a Bunsen burner.

Question 13

Tweezers

Answer 13

Lab tweezers are small tools that help you pick, lift, move, flip, and grab small particles and delicate samples.

Question 14

Funnel

Answer 14

Funnels are used to pour liquid chemicals into smaller containers safely.

Question 15

Bunsen burner

Answer 15

A Bunsen Burner is used to heat or burn chemicals in the lab. It produces a hot blue flame from the methane or natural gas in our gas jets.

Question 16

Volumetric flask

Answer 16

A volumetric flask is used to mix specific concentrations of chemicals. To prepare a solution you put in a given mass of chemical and then add a small amount of water. Next you mix it until the chemical dissolves and last you fill the flask with water to the fill line.

Question 17

Beaker

Answer 17

A beaker is used to hold and heat liquids. It is not good for accurately measuring liquids. Its beak makes it easy to pour liquids from and where it derives its name. In labs we use a beaker to transport chemicals from the stock containers to our lab station.

Question 18

Well plate

Answer 18

A well plate is a device for performing micro scale experiments next to each other so that you can make observations and compare and contrast multiple trials.

Question 19

Test tube rack

Answer 19

Test tube racks are used to hold several test tubes next to each other for observation during experimentation.

Question 20

Scoopula

Answer 20

These are long, thin metal scoops used to move small amounts of solid chemicals from one container to another.

Question 21

Buchner funnel

Answer 21

A Buchner funnel is used with an Erlenmeyer flask and an aspirator, in order to create a vacuum filtration system, to separate a mixture of a solid and a liquid.

Question 22

Erlenmeyer flask

Answer 22

Erlenmeyer flasks are glass containers that have a wide flat bottom that narrows to a small mouth. They are used in filtration experiments and to hold chemicals when they need to be stoppered.

Question 23

Clay triangle

Answer 23

The clay triangle is a metal and clay device used to suspend a crucible over a Bunsen burner.

Question 24

Ring clamp

Answer 24

A ring clamp attaches to a ring stand in order to support either a clay triangle or wire gauze over a Bunsen burner.

Question 25

Test tube holder

Answer 25

A test tube holder is a wire spring clamp that holds a test tube so you do not have to touch it with your hand.

Question 26

Watch glass

Answer 26

A watch glass is a circular concave piece of glass used in chemistry as a surface to evaporate a liquid, to hold solids while being weighed, for heating a small amount of substance, and as a cover for a beaker.

Question 27

Electronic balance

Answer 27

An electronic balance is a type of scale that uses electronics to measure the weight of materials. It is less precise when compared to an analytical balance.

Question 28

Analytical balance

Answer 28

An analytical balance is a highly precise measuring instrument used to determine the mass of small samples with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

Question 29

Ring stand

Answer 29

A ring stand has a heavy base and a tall metal pole. Many different types of clamps can be attached to it for experiments such as titrations and heating chemicals over a Bunsen burner.

Question 30

Evaporating dish

Answer 30

An evaporating dish is a small porcelain container that is used to allow small amounts of liquid to evaporate in leaving behind any solids that were dissolved. This can be sped up by heating it over a Bunsen burner.

Question 31

Buret

Answer 31

A buret is a very long narrow glass or plastic tube with a spigot at one end. It is used to accurately measure the amount of a solution that has been added to a mixture. Most commonly this is used when titrating chemicals.

Question 32

Desiccator

Answer 32

A desiccator is a storage device used to keep chemicals in a very low humidity environment. This is very important to use when a chemical can react with water vapor in the air. ALWAYS slide the lid on a desiccator, DO NOT ever lift it as this may cause the glass to shatter.