Common Laboratory Equipment Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the names and functions of common laboratory equipment discussed in the lecture.

Laboratory Equipment

Tools, instruments, and devices used in scientific laboratories to perform experiments, take measurements, and conduct research.

Graduated Cylinder

Tall, narrow container with volume markings that provides more precise liquid measurements than beakers or flasks.

Burette

Long, graduated glass tube with a stopcock, used in titrations to deliver precise volumes of liquid to a solution.

Pipette

Instrument for transferring and measuring small volumes of liquid; available in various designs for different accuracy levels.

Thermometer

Device that measures temperature, typically using a liquid that expands and contracts with heat changes.

Digital/Electronic Balance

Precision instrument that determines the mass of objects and displays the value on a digital readout.

Triple Beam Balance

Mechanical balance with three sliding weights used to measure mass manually with high accuracy.

Bunsen Burner

Adjustable gas burner producing a single open flame for heating, sterilization, and combustion.

Alcohol Lamp

Small lamp that burns ethyl alcohol to provide a flame for heating, sterilization, and combustion.

Hot Air Oven

Appliance that uses dry heat to sterilize laboratory objects and samples.

Hot Plate

Electrically powered flat surface that gently heats substances placed on top of it.

Beaker

Cylindrical container with a wide mouth, flat bottom, and a lip for easy pouring; used for mixing or heating liquids.

Stirring Rod

Chemically inert glass rod used to mix liquids or solids with liquids in laboratory procedures.

Test Tube

Small glass tube for holding, mixing, or heating small quantities of chemicals, often in qualitative experiments.

Erlenmeyer Flask

Flask with a flat base and conical body that tapers to a narrow neck, allowing mixing by swirling without spilling.

Microscope

Optical instrument that magnifies small objects or organisms for detailed observation.

Petri Dish

Shallow, circular glass or plastic dish used to culture microorganisms and observe bacterial or fungal colonies.

Test Tube Rack

Stand that holds multiple test tubes upright to prevent spills and organize samples.

Tongs

Scissor-like tools for gripping and lifting hot or hazardous objects safely.

Retort/Ring Stand and Clamp

Vertical metal stand with adjustable clamps used to hold glassware during titration, distillation, or filtration.

Tripod

Three-legged metal stand that supports flasks and beakers over a heat source.

Wire Gauze (Wire Mesh)

Flat metal mesh placed on a tripod or ring stand to distribute heat evenly to glassware.

Funnel

Conical tool used to channel liquids or powders into containers with narrow openings and for filtration.

Watch Glass

Concave piece of glass used to evaporate liquids, hold solids for weighing, heat small amounts, or cover beakers.

Crucible

Heat-resistant vessel used to melt substances, especially metals, at high temperatures.

Mortar and Pestle

Set used to grind solid chemicals into fine powder and crush them into smaller pieces.

Clay Triangle

Triangular wire frame with clay pipe stems that supports a crucible during heating.