Common Laboratory Equipment and Their Uses

These flashcards cover the names, appearances, and specific functions of common laboratory apparatus discussed in the lecture notes, aiding in recognition and proper usage for practical exams.

What is the primary use of a triple-beam balance?

To measure mass very precisely and compare the mass of two objects.

What does a double-beam balance measure?

It precisely compares the masses of two objects.

Why is an electronic (digital) balance preferred in many labs?

For quick and accurate weighing of samples and instruments.

What is the purpose of an iron stand in a laboratory setup?

To keep apparatus stable and support attached equipment.

How is an iron clamp used?

It holds glassware or equipment firmly on an iron stand.

What function does an iron ring serve?

It supports glassware such as funnels or wire gauze during heating.

Why is a laboratory burner employed?

To heat substances; it can reach temperatures around 400 °C.

When would you use laboratory tongs?

To handle hot beakers or other heated apparatus safely.

What is a test-tube brush designed for?

Cleaning the inside of test tubes and other narrow glassware.

How is a test-tube holder different from tongs?

It securely holds a single test tube, especially when heating.

What is the role of wire gauze?

It supports glassware over a flame and distributes heat evenly.

For what task are forceps used in the lab?

Picking up or holding small items without direct contact.

Why would you need a triangular file?

To score or cut glass tubing and rods.

What is a water bath used for?

Heating samples gently and uniformly using hot water.

Why place glassware on a tripod?

To support it above a burner flame for heating.

When do you use a crucible with a cover?

For strongly heating small quantities of chemicals.

What is an evaporating dish designed to do?

Evaporate excess liquids from a solution.

How is a spot plate utilized?

To perform multiple small-scale chemical reactions or heat tiny samples.

What does a clay triangle support?

Crucibles and other small containers during high-temperature heating.

What is the function of a mortar and pestle?

Crushing and grinding solid substances into powders.

Why choose a beaker during an experiment?

For heating, mixing, and roughly measuring larger volumes of liquids.

What advantage does an Erlenmeyer flask offer?

It holds and mixes liquids while minimizing splashing.

For what purpose is a Florence flask used?

Storing or boiling liquids evenly due to its round bottom.

When would you select a volumetric flask?

To prepare solutions at a very precise volume.

What is a graduated cylinder designed to measure?

Accurate volumes of liquids.

Why use a funnel in the lab?

To channel liquids or fine solids into containers without spilling.

What does a stirring rod help accomplish?

Mixing solutions and transferring liquids dropwise along its surface.

When is a watch glass handy?

Holding small samples, covering beakers, or evaporating liquids.

Why are reagent bottles (amber or clear) important?

Transporting and storing acids, bases, or other reagents safely; amber glass protects light-sensitive chemicals.

How is a pipette employed?

Extracting or transferring measured volumes of liquids.

What does a burette allow you to do?

Dispense known, precise volumes of liquid reagent, typically in titrations.

Which instrument measures temperature in the lab?

A thermometer.

When would you use a dropper (Pasteur pipette)?

To draw in and dispense small amounts of liquid drop by drop.

What is the purpose of a laboratory spatula or scoopula?

Taking and transferring small quantities of solid chemicals.

Why insert a cork or rubber stopper into glassware?

To seal flasks or test tubes, preventing spills or contamination.

How does a wash bottle assist during cleanup?

Rinsing glassware with distilled water.

What does a test-tube rack do?

Holds multiple test tubes upright for storage or during experiments.